- The FBI has warned of scammers offering fake online jobs in exchange for crypto
- The scammers promise victims simple online jobs and provide a dashboard to display non-existent earnings
- Scammers then request victims to send crypto to the “employer” to unlock more tasks
Crypto scammers are devising more ways to advance their malicious agenda and are now exploiting the work-from-home lifestyle. According to the FBI, cases of scammers using this tactic are on the rise and job hunters should be cautious. The agency disclosed that malicious actors are luring victims with easy online tasks like rating restaurants, an offering that’s likely to nab more victims, especially in countries with a high unemployment rate.
Non-existent Earnings Displayed
The FBI disclosed that the scammers are even offering a web portal to help victims track their earnings, further drawing them closer. However, victims are unable to withdraw their “funds” and at some point are asked to send crypto to their “employer” to unlock more tasks.
According to the FBI, some of the ways to detect such scams are if the job description emphasizes terms like “optimization” and if the prospective employer doesn’t require any references during the recruitment process.
This isn’t the first time the agency is warning people against malicious actors in the crypto and web3 world. In the past, the FBI has warned people against crypto ATM scams.
Last year, the agency revealed that the notorious hacking group Lazarus was preparing to liquidate illicit crypto funds worth roughly $40 million. It alerted crypto companies to be on the lookout for any movement of such funds.
A $43-Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme Busted
Apart from disclosing scammers’ tactics, the FBI has also joined forces with other law enforcement agencies to track and confiscate ill-gotten crypto funds.
A month ago it busted a $43-million crypto Ponzi scheme and last year it seized over $50 million in crypto from drug trafficking gangs.
With countries suffering from a high unemployment rate, a work-from-home crypto scam is likely to nab more victims.
