AIBU to ask if anyone’s actually lost money to one of these “remote job” scams before I go any further?

[sophiamaybea]

So I’ve been looking into this online “job” I got messaged about — supposedly remote work doing things like “data processing” or “boosting product rankings.” It started off looking legit: they had a proper-looking site, I got small commissions for completing tasks, and I was added to a WhatsApp group full of people chatting about their earnings.

Then came the catch: to keep earning or unlock the next level, I had to start “recharging” or topping up my account with my own money — usually through crypto or some dodgy payment app. They claim it’s refundable or part of the process, but it feels really off.
Has anyone here personally lost money doing something like this?

Not looking for general warnings or second-hand stories — just your own experience if you’ve been caught up in something like this.

Happy to DM if you’d rather not post publicly — but would really appreciate any insights.

Anything that adds you to a WhatsApp group is a scam.

Any job that requires you to pay to earn is a scam.

Just leave the group and report it (not sure you can only whatapp)

edit to apologise- Not looking for general warnings or second-hand stories — just your own experience if you’ve been caught up in something like this. mycomment goes against what you asked, haven't experienced it myself, so can't say.

Are you writing an article on these scams or looking for someone to empathise with you after you've been scammed?

Nope. Don’t do it

Of course it’s all a scam

Of course it's a scam. Why would any reputable / genuine business require you to gamble your own money like this?

You know this is a scam OP

https://www.refundee.com/blog/jobscams

Of course it’s a scam. If you earn money, the money should only be flowing in one direction and that’s from employer to you.
anything else is a scam

Scam!!!