Fraud

Side jobs that want money up front

Longer note · updated October 2026

Fake side jobs copy the look of real listings and often borrow the names of real companies. The wording changes; the patterns don't.

Patterns to recognise

• Paying to start: registration fees, starter kits, training packs or "activation". Real work pays you.
• Moving money: receiving payments and passing them on, or buying gift cards to be reimbursed. This can make you part of money laundering.
• Balances to top up: easy tasks that pay a little at first, then ask for a deposit before you can withdraw.
• Pressure: deadlines of hours, requests to keep it quiet, or a push to a private messaging app.
• Pay far above the work: high rates for unskilled tasks, with no interview.

Checking an offer

Find the company's official website yourself, rather than using a link you were sent, and contact them through it. Search the company name with words like "scam" or "complaint".

If you've already paid

Stop sending money, even if a refund is promised after one more fee. Contact your bank straight away, keep every message and receipt, and report it to the police and the consumer protection authority.