Job Scams in Singapore: How 'Task' and 'Liking' Jobs Drain Your Savings
Job scams are consistently among the top scam types reported to the Singapore Police Force. The most common version is the task scam: a 'recruiter' on WhatsApp, Telegram or Instagram offers part-time work liking YouTube videos, following TikTok accounts, rating hotels or 'optimising' products for S$50–S$800 a day. You are paid small amounts at first so the job feels real. Then you're moved into 'prepaid' or 'combination' tasks where you must top up your own money — often via PayNow to individuals or in USDT crypto — to 'unlock' commissions that you can never withdraw.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“Hi, I'm Rachel from a recruitment agency. We have a part-time job: like YouTube videos and earn S$5 per like, up to S$300/day. Flexible hours, can do on phone. Interested? Add my Telegram @rachel_hr_sg”
Example 2
“Congratulations on completing your first 3 tasks! Your commission of S$28 has been credited. To continue to the next level, please complete a prepaid merchant task of S$150. You will receive S$195 back after completion.”
Example 3
“Dear member, your account has triggered a combination order. Please top up S$2,380 via PayNow to the receiver below to complete the task. Your principal and commission (S$3,120) will be withdrawable after that.”
Warning Signs of a Job Scam in Singapore
- ⚠Unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram message from a 'HR' or 'recruitment consultant' offering part-time work with no interview
- ⚠The job is liking videos, following accounts, rating hotels or 'boosting' e-commerce products for unusually high pay
- ⚠You are told to transfer your own money first to 'prepaid tasks', 'merchant orders' or to 'upgrade your VIP level'
- ⚠Payments go to personal bank accounts via PayNow, or you're asked to buy USDT/cryptocurrency
- ⚠Withdrawals are blocked by new 'taxes', 'credit score' penalties or 'account freeze' fees
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1A 'recruiter' contacts you on WhatsApp, Telegram or social media offering easy online work
- 2You do a few simple tasks and receive small real payments (S$5–S$50) to build trust
- 3You're added to a Telegram group of 'other workers' — mostly scammer accounts posting fake payout screenshots
- 4You're told to pay money upfront for 'prepaid' or 'combination' tasks, with promises of 30–40% commission
- 5Each time you try to withdraw, a new fee or penalty appears, until you stop paying and the contacts disappear
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| How you're recruited | Via MyCareersFuture, LinkedIn or company careers pages, with a named employer | Unsolicited WhatsApp/Telegram message from a stranger or a 'recruitment agency' with no MOM licence |
| Pay for the work | Salary is paid to you; you never pay the employer | You must top up your own money to 'unlock' tasks or commissions |
| Payment channels | Payroll from a company bank account | PayNow to random individuals, or USDT crypto transfers |
| Work itself | Real duties with a contract and CPF contributions where applicable | Liking videos, rating hotels or 'boosting orders' for inflated pay |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Stop paying immediately — no further top-up will release your money
- ✓Check whether a recruitment agency is licensed using the Ministry of Manpower's Employment Agency directory
- ✓Call your bank to report the transfers and ask it to try to recall the funds
- ✓Report to the Singapore Police Force at police.gov.sg and call the ScamShield Helpline 1799
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Are 'like videos and get paid' jobs in Singapore real?
No legitimate employer pays S$5 per like or asks you to deposit money to continue working. These are task scams, and they are one of the most reported scam types in Singapore.
Why did they pay me at first if it's a scam?
The early small payments are a deliberate trust-building step. They cost the scammer very little and make you comfortable depositing much larger sums later.
Can I get my money back from a task scam?
Report immediately to your bank and the police. Banks and the Anti-Scam Command can sometimes freeze recipient accounts if acted on quickly, but recovery is not guaranteed, especially for crypto transfers.
My bank account was used to receive money from someone else. Is that a problem?
Yes. Letting others use your bank account or Singpass is an offence in Singapore, and scammers often recruit 'money mules' through fake job offers. Never lend your account, and report it to the police if approached.
How do I verify a recruiter in Singapore?
Search the agency on MOM's Employment Agency directory, check the company's UEN on ACRA's BizFile, and apply only through official career pages or MyCareersFuture.
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