# Crypto job scam

> A crypto job scam is a fake remote role used to reach a victim's cryptocurrency. The victim is asked to fund or connect a wallet, deposit crypto to activate tasks, or install a work app that is actually a wallet-drainer. The displayed earnings are fictitious, and the deposits and wallet approvals are the theft.

Source: https://realjobcheck.com/glossary/crypto-job-scam/  
Updated: 2026-06-07 - Real Job Check Trust and Safety Research Team

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## What it is

A crypto job scam is a fake remote job built to reach your cryptocurrency. The work is a front; the goal is a deposit or a wallet approval that lets the scammer take your coins.

## How it reaches you

An upbeat message about web3 or crypto work leads to a slick app or site. You see early "earnings," then are asked to deposit crypto to withdraw them, or to connect a wallet to begin. See [is this crypto or web3 job a scam](/answers/is-this-crypto-or-web3-job-a-scam/).

## The tell

A real employer pays you in normal money and never asks you to put your own crypto in first. Any deposit-to-earn step, or a request to connect a wallet to start, is the scam.

## What to do

Do not deposit crypto or connect a wallet. If you connected one, move your funds to a fresh wallet and revoke approvals, then report it to the [FBI's IC3](https://www.ic3.gov) and the [FTC](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov). It works much like a [task scam](/glossary/task-scam/).