App Review Job Scams
'Get paid to review apps' offers that mirror task scams, requiring deposits to unlock earnings.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
App review job scams pay you to 'review' or 'optimise' apps on a platform that shows growing earnings, then require deposits to continue or withdraw — a task-scam variant.
How it works
Recruited via message, you complete app-review tasks and watch a balance rise. Small withdrawals work at first. Then 'premium tasks' or a frozen balance demand deposits that are never returned.
Common red flags
- Paid to review or rate apps on a special platform
- Earnings require deposits to unlock
- Recruitment via unsolicited message
- Pressure to deposit to reach the next tier
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Review apps and earn [amount]/task! Unlock premium tasks by depositing [amount].
Payment methods used
- Crypto
- Bank transfer
- Payment apps
Who is usually targeted
- Side-income seekers
- Students
What to do immediately
- Stop depositing; the balance is fake
- Save evidence and report it
- Contact your bank
Evidence to preserve
- Platform/app and dashboard
- Chat history
- Transfers
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Do real companies pay people to review apps like this?
Legitimate user testing exists, but it never requires you to deposit money to 'unlock' tasks or withdraw earnings. Deposit demands are the signature of a task scam.