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Online job scams disguised as like and deposit tasks: spot the pattern before you lose money

“Work from home, just like and subscribe to videos, Rp50,000 per task.” Messages like this still circulate widely on WhatsApp, Telegram and social media. For job seekers who need income, the offer sounds easy. The problem is that this pattern is a scam that authorities have warned about repeatedly.

Resmi.ID logo Resmi.ID Team · 6 min read ·
Article illustration: Online job scams disguised as like and deposit tasks: spot the pattern before you lose money Photo: Brett Wharton / Unsplash

The Secretariat of the Task Force for Eradicating Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas PASTI) has named this part-time job scheme as one of the most widespread and urged the public to stay alert. Below is how it works, the warning signs and what to do if you have already fallen victim.

How the scam unfolds, from start to lost money

According to Satgas PASTI, the scheme usually runs in several stages designed to build trust first:

  1. 1Small paid tasksThe victim is asked to like videos, subscribe to channels or leave ratings, and actually receives a small payment.
  2. 2Joining a chat groupThe victim is invited to a group of other “members” showing off big earnings, often fake accounts.
  3. 3Missions with a depositThe next task requires the victim to deposit money first, with the promise of a bigger return.
  4. 4Ever-larger depositsEvery time the victim tries to withdraw, they are told to deposit again because a mission is unfinished or an error occurred.
  5. 5The scammer vanishesOnce the deposits are large enough, the scammer cuts contact and the money is never returned.

The small early payment is part of the bait. It is far smaller than the deposits requested later, and its purpose is to convince the victim that the “job” is real.

Warning signs to recognise

  • The offer arrives out of the blue from an unknown number, even though you never applied.
  • There is no interview, contract or clear explanation of the company and the role.
  • Large earnings are promised for very easy work.
  • You are asked to deposit money, buy a product or “top up” before you can withdraw your pay.
  • Communication happens only via chat with admins who keep changing, and you are pressured to finish missions quickly.

Satgas PASTI recommends the 2L principle before accepting any offer: Legal, meaning there is a clear business licence, and Logical, meaning the promised return makes sense. Walk away from any offer that fails either test.

A legitimate job pays you; it does not ask you to pay. On Resmi.ID Karir, applicants are never charged. If anyone uses an opening on the platform to ask you for money, use the Report button on that opening.

How to check before responding

  1. 1Check the companyLook up the company name and its NIB; a legitimate company holds a business licence through OSS and has a clear address.
  2. 2Check the account numberLook up the destination bank account on CekRekening.id to see whether it has been reported for fraud.
  3. 3Check where the opening came fromMake sure it also appears on the company's official site or on a platform that verifies employers.

Why so many people still get caught

This scheme does not rely on careless victims. Scammers exploit financial pressure, the trust built after the first payment and the reluctance to quit once money has been deposited. Many victims keep paying in the hope of recovering what they already sent. The safest decision is therefore to stop at the very first deposit request, no matter how much you have already spent.

If you have already transferred money

Acting fast is crucial. As reported by ANTARA, Friderica Widyasari Dewi of OJK said scams should ideally be reported within 10 minutes or less, whereas victims in Indonesia report after around 12 hours on average. By then, the funds have usually been moved to other accounts, e-wallets or crypto assets.

  1. 1Contact your bankAsk for the destination account to be blocked as soon as possible and keep the report number.
  2. 2Report to IASCReport via the official site iasc.ojk.go.id or OJK Contact 157, WhatsApp 081 157 157 157.
  3. 3Keep all evidenceDo not delete chat screenshots, transfer receipts, account numbers or group links.
  4. 4Report the scammer's accountReport the account number on CekRekening.id so others can avoid it.
OJK stresses that reports to the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) are made only through the official site iasc.ojk.go.id. Be wary of sites or accounts claiming they can recover your money for a fee, as these are often follow-up scams.

Legitimate online jobs do exist, and there are many of them. But no legitimate job requires you to deposit money in order to get paid. The moment a deposit is requested, treat it as your signal to stop.

References

This information is general. For important decisions, check the latest rules at official sources or consult the relevant authorities.

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