Bitdefender Labs has exposed a deceptive YouTube scam that entices users with the prospect of earning money by liking random videos on the platform. The scam involves scammers sending messages, often from numbers with African country codes, promising payment for liking YouTube videos. To investigate, Bitdefender researchers engaged in the scam, discovering that scammers collect personal information, such as phone number, age, occupation, full name, and bank account details, before instructing victims to like videos and provide screenshots as proof.
After completing the initial tasks, victims are directed to download Telegram, join a channel, and discuss payment with a supposed receptionist. Once the necessary data is shared, victims receive a payment (e.g., 30 RON or $6.50) and are promised additional daily tasks. However, the scam takes a sinister turn in its second phase when victims are invited to join a VIP group for higher-earning tasks, accessible only after paying a fee ranging from $21.66 to $1,083. After making the payment, victims find themselves blocked by scammers, who cease communication. The scammers use screenshots of payments made to previous victims on their Telegram channel to gain trust.
Bitdefender researchers also found similar job listings on Facebook groups, where scammers promote remote work or lucrative pay for liking/subscribing to YouTube channels. The scam pitch claims users can earn money by liking videos and promises substantial daily incomes. This type of scam is notable because, unlike typical scams, victims actually receive some payment initially, which creates a false sense of trust and encourages further investment. Bitdefender’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Lab’s Manager, Nicolae Postolachi, emphasized that despite the initial payments, there are no genuine tools, apps, or platforms that enable easy money. T
o avoid falling victim to such scams, users are advised to exercise caution with recruiters demanding high payments, especially for simple tasks like watching or liking YouTube videos, and to be wary of those encouraging downloads of messaging apps like Telegram. In case of victimization, individuals are urged to take screenshots, cease communication, block the user, leave the Telegram group, secure accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, report the scam to the social media platform, file a police report, and alert friends and family.
