➀ The FTC warns of a significant increase in online job scams, known as 'task scams,' which ask applicants to perform fake tasks to defraud them of money. ➁ The scams often involve receiving vague messages about online work and being asked to complete tasks like 'app optimization' or 'product boosting.' ➂ The FTC reports that these scams have quadrupled in the first half of 2024, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first six months.