Offers promising easy money often hide significant deceptions that can lead to financial loss.
Understanding the Likes Scam
The likes scam typically involves a fraudster impersonating a company and offering simple digital tasks to victims, such as “liking” posts, following social media accounts, or watching online ads in exchange for small rewards. Once the victim completes and is compensated for their first task, they are encouraged to request additional tasks. At this point, the scammer will usually demand a deposit or fee to access the next task. After the victim pays and completes the additional work, the fraudster disappears.
Recent Fraud Cases in Spain
In 2025, authorities in Spain dismantled several gangs operating under this scheme. In Valladolid, 11 individuals were identified for posing as Google employees, defrauding a single victim of €13,000. In Algeciras, two youths were arrested for similar offenses, while in Palencia, four individuals are being investigated for stealing €500 from a victim after proposing to like social media posts.
Techniques Used by Scammers
Insights from Cyber Experts
Expert from CaixaBank notes, “Victims often do not suspect foul play until they realize the promised profits are not materializing, prompting them to investigate further.”
Preventive Measures Against the Likes Scam
Avoid Paying for Work: If you're asked for an advance fee or deposit, it's likely a scam.
Exercise Caution with Easy Money: Tasks that seem unusually easy, such as liking posts or following accounts, are often too good to be true.
Verify Offers Carefully: Do not trust unsolicited job offers received through messaging apps. Confirm the company's legitimacy through official channels, checking their tax identification number (CIF) or official email.
Protect Personal Information: Never share personal or banking details with unknown parties.
Avoid Group Messaging Scams: Do not permit scammers to add you to messaging groups, as this is a tactic to create an illusion of credibility.
A Multi-Faceted Scam
Jordi Sánchez, a fraud expert, outlines various formats of the likes scam, which can evolve over time:
- Initial Investment Requests: Some scams may ask for a deposit before the first job or a small fee between €5 and €10.
- Mandatory Investments: After completing initial tasks, scammers may require victims to invest in financial assets or cryptocurrencies to receive their payments.
- Coercing Victims into Collaboration: In some cases, victims may unknowingly assist in fraud by guiding others to complete tasks, sometimes even signing fraudulent employment contracts.
Complexity of Transactions
Scammers often use untraceable channels for financial transactions. Victims may deposit their funds into mule accounts held by intermediaries, who earn a commission for facilitating the scam. This money is then transferred through various accounts or invested in assets, creating a convoluted network that is challenging to monitor.
Emerging Variants of the Likes Scam
New ways to deceive individuals through this scam emerge regularly, with authorities urging vigilance.
