Task Scams Surge in 2025, With Average Loss at $9,456
Task scams have risen sharply in 2025, with reports increasing 485% year over year, according to CNC Intelligence’s analysis of Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker data, which reflects only reported cases and likely understates total activity.
Loss data shows how costly these schemes can become. The average reported loss per victim is $9,456, indicating that financial exposure often escalates beyond initial amounts. While some victims reported losses under $500, the most common loss range was $1,001 to $5,000, accounting for 30% of all reports. In total, 22% of victims reported losses above $10,000, including 7% who lost more than $50,000.
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Reports reviewed by CNC Intelligence show a recurring pattern: victims are initially allowed small withdrawals, then asked to deposit funds to complete tasks or clear account balances. Once deposits begin, withdrawals are blocked, and losses accumulate.
Dataset
| Amount lost | Share of total reports |
|---|---|
| $1 - $100 | 12% |
| $101 - $500 | 16% |
| $501 - $1000 | 9% |
| $1001 - $5000 | 30% |
| $5001 - $10,000 | 11% |
| $10,001 - $50,000 | 15% |
| $50,001+ | 7% |