There are so many types of cybercrime out there. We’ve already talked about email phishing and social engineering in dating apps, but here’s another scam that’s been trending lately: the like and subscribe scam. This scam doesn’t just play on curiosity, but also dangles the promise of instant income that can lure many people in. Behind simple tasks like liking videos or subscribing to channels, there’s a trap that could cost you money.
This scam often pops up on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, where victims are recruited to complete simple tasks in exchange for small commissions. After completing a few tasks, they’ll receive their promised payments to gain their trust. But behind the scenes, the scammer will start asking them to make top-up or deposit payments to unlock bigger commissions.
According to Metro Tempo on July 10, 2024, one victim even reported losing Rp 44 million after being tempted by the promise of big earnings from this scam. After making the top-up, the promised money never materialized, and the scammer continued to ask for more top-ups with the promise of bigger commissions. In the end, the victim’s money was gone, and the scammer disappeared.
The Ponzi Scheme and FOMO: The Secrets Behind This Scam
This scam operates like a Ponzi scheme, where the first victims are given small rewards to entice bigger ones. Once the victims believe in the scheme and start depositing larger sums, the scam escalates. On top of that, scammers often use FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), making victims feel like they’re missing a big opportunity to earn quick money. This tactic pushes victims to keep topping up in the hopes of earning the promised “profits”.
Statistics from Katadata show that Telegram saw a 53% increase in cybercrime activity in 2024, mainly due to scammers using groups or channels to carry out schemes like this.
Why WhatsApp and Telegram?
WhatsApp and Telegram are the go-to platforms for scammers because of their easy access and anonymity. On Telegram, scammers can quickly create groups or channels to attract victims without worrying about being tracked. On WhatsApp, the scam is often conducted through personal messages or groups, offering “part-time jobs” or “investment opportunities.” Databoks reports that 64.1% of digital scam operations occur via mobile networks (SMS and phone calls) and messaging apps like WhatsApp.
These scams take advantage of users who are often too trusting of chain messages or offers that seem professional. But behind it all, the scammers are just after the victims’ money through the like and subscribe scheme.
How to Protect Yourself From This Scam
To protect yourself from the like and subscribe scam, here are a few steps you can follow:
- Don’t Fall for Easy Money Promises: If someone is offering high earnings for simple tasks, be suspicious. Offers that seem too good to be true usually are scams.
- Avoid Top-Up or Deposit Requests: If a job offer requires you to make a deposit or top-up, that’s a red flag. Legitimate jobs don’t ask for money from employees.
- Be Wary of Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links from unfamiliar sources, especially those sent via private messages on WhatsApp or Telegram.
The like and subscribe scam, which involves top-up schemes, is spreading fast on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. These scams capitalize on the allure of quick, easy money but often result in victims losing large amounts of money. That’s why it’s so important to always stay vigilant and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
As these scams get more sophisticated, we need to be smarter in navigating the digital world and protect ourselves from these evolving traps. Don’t let your money vanish just because you were tempted by false promises!