Housewife with 2 kids turns to 'online job' -- only to get scammed of over $7k and end up in debt

Cherlynn Ng

Posted on 15 May 2024 | 4,502 views | 29 comments

Submitted by Stomper YH

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A woman lost more than $7,500 and is currently in debt after falling victim to an online job scam.

Stomper YH, a 36-year-old mother of two kids, said she became a housewife after losing her job. She then considered finding a work-from-home job to "earn some pocket money".

When she came across a Facebook advertisement offering "commission" for reviewing applications, it seemed like a good opportunity.

YH shared the job description:

Our job is to help app developer promote their apps, help improve their app reviews and drive a steady stream of user downloads that drive traffic to the app for higher ratings and revenue. Therefore, app developers use Mamba Media to find members to promote their apps. At the same time, members can earn from about 100$ to 200$ per day. After 3 consecutive days of full participation, you will receive 500$ Newbie Bonus. Even if you have a full time job it won't affect your time, because this job we can do it on our free time.

YH was also invited to a WhatsApp group where everyone shared their daily earnings.

She recounted: "April 10 was my first try after the training. I topped up $266 and earned $550.44. I received the payout in my bank account at 10am the next day, which gave me the confidence to continue doing it.

"At around noon, I started having doubts because I kept pumping money in but still could not finish the task.

"I even transferred money from another savings account in order to complete the task. As my bank account was almost empty, I went to get a credit card loan of $4,600 to pump into the website.

"I'd hoped to complete the task so that I could get all my money back soon.

"In the end, I was broke but still couldn't complete the task and they even asked for $20,350."

YH, who lost $7,525.84 in total, added: "All my savings are gone and I am in debt as well."

According to YH, she lodged a police report on the same day but was told there was little to no chance of recovering her money.

In response to a Stomp query, the police confirmed a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.

YH said she had a "rough night" but the thought of her two young kids kept her going.

YH told Stomp: "It is so easy so scammers to cheat money. I want revenge but there is nowhere to turn to."

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