WhatsApp 'paid task' scams promise income for liking social media posts before demanding advance fees

What is this scam?

Which? and fraud experts have flagged a surge in 'task scam' messages targeting UK residents via WhatsApp and Telegram in 2026, offering part-time income for completing simple micro-tasks such as liking social media posts, leaving product reviews, or rating apps. Initial tasks carry small genuine payouts to build trust and encourage victims to deposit funds into a 'task wallet' to unlock higher-paying assignments. Once money is deposited, victims are told they must complete a set of tasks before withdrawing — tasks that are rigged to fail or require further deposits. Victims who comply find the cycle repeats until they stop paying, losing escalating sums that cannot be recovered.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
2. Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
3. Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.