Canadians who recently received a freelance job offer to “boost” a product or an app and be paid with cryptocurrency in exchange may be the next victim of a new scam, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
“Using the names of real companies in Canada, the fraudsters are offering victims freelance job opportunities to ‘boost’ products, apps or videos using software created by the fraudsters,” CAFC said.
“After the victim installs the software and creates an account, they receive ‘orders’ or ‘tasks’ they have to complete. Victims might receive a small payment or commission in order to convince them that the job is legitimate.”
CAFC says victims were also told they could earn higher commissions or “move up a level” by boosting more products or videos but would be required to pay fees to gain access to the additional work.
“Victims deposit their funds into crypto accounts or wallets,” said the centre. “Victims may also be asked to recruit other victims in order to increase their earnings.”
‘Pig Butchering’ Scam
The CAFC says fraudsters target job seekers through a variety of mediums.“According to victim reports, fraudsters are contacting victims via text message, WhatsApp, email or Messenger after the victim has shared their resume and contact information on job recruitment websites,” said the centre.
Cryptocurrency is increasingly used as a feature by fraudsters to scam their victims, CAFC noted.
“After trust is gained, the fraudster will claim that they have been a successful investor in cryptocurrency and can help the victim also make money and ‘get rich,’” the CAFC said.
“Fraudsters use fake online trading platforms and convince victims to transfer funds or cryptocurrency into their trading account.”
Similar to the job opportunity scam, victims realize they have been scammed when they try to withdraw their funds later and are unable to, the centre added.
“The fraudster will do everything it takes to make you think the investment is legitimate and lucrative.”
