In today’s digital world, scams are constantly evolving and one of the newest schemes gaining traction online is known as a “task scam.” These scams often appear innocent at first, offering quick and easy ways to make money from your phone or laptop. But behind the promise of fast cash, lies a setup designed to steal your personal information or your hard-earned money.

At First Financial, your financial security is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about how task scams work and how to protect yourself.

What is a Task Scam?

A task scam occurs when someone contacts you, often through social media platforms, messaging apps, or online job boards – offering to pay you for completing simple online “tasks.” These might include:

• Liking or following social media pages.
• Writing fake product reviews.
• Rating services or apps you never actually used.
• Boosting a company’s “online reputation.”

Scammers usually start by sending you a small payment to gain your trust. Once you’re convinced the opportunity is legitimate, they may ask you to “unlock higher commissions” by paying a small fee or completing more tasks that require personal information or banking details.

Unfortunately, once you send the payment or share sensitive information – the scammer will disappear and your money (and sometimes sensitive data) may be gone.

For more details on how these scams work, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published an alert on How to Spot and Avoid Task Scams. It’s a great resource for learning how scammers operate and what red flags to watch out for.

Common Red Flags of a Task Scam

Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:

1. You’re contacted out of the blue by someone offering easy money for simple online work.
2. You’re asked to pay a fee or make a deposit before receiving more tasks or a larger payout.
3. The company has no verified website or contact information.
4. Payments come through gift cards, crypto, or unfamiliar apps.
5. You’re asked to share banking or personal details to receive payment.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

How to Protect Yourself

• Research the company or contact. Look up names, email addresses, and websites before engaging.
• Never pay to get paid. Legitimate employers will never ask you to send money to start earning.
• Avoid sharing personal information. Do not provide bank account or credit card details.
• Be cautious on social media. Scammers often use fake profiles and impersonate real companies.
• Report suspicious activity. If you think you’ve been targeted, contact your financial institution right away. You can also report scams directly to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve sent money or information to a scammer:

1. Contact your financial institution immediately. Your bank or credit union can help secure your accounts and prevent further loss.
2. Change your passwords. Protect your email, banking, and social media accounts.
3. Report the scam. Notify the FTC and your local authorities.

Taking quick action can minimize damage and protect others from becoming victims.

We’re Here to Help

Your online safety matters. We’re committed to helping our members protect their finances. If you ever receive a suspicious message or request involving one of your First Financial accounts, please contact us. Our team can help you verify legitimate communications, secure your accounts, and guide you through reporting fraud safely.

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