The article addresses a widespread scam known as the 'likes' scam, where criminals pose as marketing companies, enticing victims with promises of easy money in exchange for simple digital tasks such as liking social media posts, following accounts, or watching videos and ads. Initially, victims are lured with small rewards. However, once they complete a task and receive payment, they are encouraged to take on further work which requires a deposit or fee to access it. After paying, victims find themselves abandoned by the scammer, who vanishes with their money.

Authorities in Spain have taken action against this type of fraud, disbanding several gangs involved in similar scams. In 2025, police identified 11 individuals in Valladolid who impersonated Google employees to defraud one victim of 13,000 euros. In a separate case in Algeciras, two young men were arrested for their involvement in a similar scam. These incidents underline the increasing need for vigilance against online scams, particularly those targeting individuals looking for remote or flexible job opportunities.

The implications of these scams are profound, highlighting not only the financial losses faced by victims but also the emotional toll of being deceived. As digital interactions become more prevalent, the potential for such fraudulent schemes increases, calling for better awareness and preventive measures to protect unwary users from falling prey to these scams. Victims are advised to conduct thorough research before engaging in any online job offers and to be wary of requests for upfront payments or deposits.