Are like and review jobs on WhatsApp real?

Most unsolicited like-and-review job offers on WhatsApp or Telegram are scams. The small early payments are bait before you are asked to deposit larger amounts of money that you will not be able to withdraw.

Why do I have to pay before I can do tasks?

Legitimate employers do not ask workers to pay to work or to release their wages. Requests for top-ups, deposits or withdrawal fees are a clear sign of a task scam. Stop paying and keep the chat as evidence.

I have topped up many times. How do I get my money back?

Stop paying immediately. Call 997 and tell your bank. Recovery is not guaranteed, but an early report gives a better chance of funds being frozen. Do not trust anyone offering paid 'fund recovery' services.

Guide

Part-time job scams: 'like & review' and prepaid tasks

A part-time job scam starts with an offer of easy work such as liking videos, writing reviews or completing online 'tasks', with small payments that really arrive. You are then asked to deposit money to unlock bigger tasks, and that money cannot be withdrawn. Genuine jobs never ask you to pay to work. Check the recipient's account number before transferring anything.

Check a bank account / phone →

Already transferred money? Call 997 (NSRC) now — 24 hours. How to report a scam →

How part-time job scams work

A WhatsApp or Telegram message from a 'recruiter' offers daily pay for work from home.
Early tasks are simple, such as liking or following, and you are paid a few ringgit to build trust.
You are added to a 'task' group or app and asked to top up to unlock high-commission tasks.
The balance in the app appears to grow, but you must pay more to withdraw it.
Eventually the account is frozen or the recruiter disappears.

Warning signs

A job offer with no interview, sent to you without applying.
Pay that makes no sense for very simple work.
A deposit, registration fee or top-up is required.
Transfers go to different personal accounts.
You are asked to receive and pass on other people's money through your account.

Careful: do not become a mule account

Some 'jobs' actually ask you to receive money into your bank account and transfer it on. That turns you into a mule account for scammers, and account holders can be prosecuted under Malaysian law even if they say they did not know.

What to do

Check the recruiter's account number and phone number in SemakMule before transferring any money. If you have already paid, call 997 (NSRC) quickly and tell your bank. The sooner you act, the better the chance funds can be frozen, but there is no guarantee money will be returned.

Frequently asked questions

Are like and review jobs on WhatsApp real?: Most unsolicited like-and-review job offers on WhatsApp or Telegram are scams. The small early payments are bait before you are asked to deposit larger amounts of money that you will not be able to withdraw.
Why do I have to pay before I can do tasks?: Legitimate employers do not ask workers to pay to work or to release their wages. Requests for top-ups, deposits or withdrawal fees are a clear sign of a task scam. Stop paying and keep the chat as evidence.
I have topped up many times. How do I get my money back?: Stop paying immediately. Call 997 and tell your bank. Recovery is not guaranteed, but an early report gives a better chance of funds being frozen. Do not trust anyone offering paid 'fund recovery' services.

Short guides to the scam tactics common in Malaysia, how to check bank accounts, phone numbers and licences, and what to do right away if you have been hit.