Pamela Toro We’ve recently discovered that scammers are impersonating Passion Digital, a trusted UK-based digital marketing agency, to run fake job scams and to trick job seekers into paying money for fake opportunities. We’ve received numerous emails and Instagram DMs from confused and concerned individuals who’ve been targeted by these fraudsters. These offers are not from us. Here’s how the scam works, the red flags to watch out for, and what you can do to protect yourself.
To be absolutely clear: any job offer you’ve received through WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media in our name is fake. These scams are not from us.
What’s happening?
Fraudsters are misusing our company name, logo and reputation to run fake recruitment and financial scams. They typically contact people through text messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram DMs or email, promising what looks like simple, flexible remote work opportunities.
How the scam works
Step 1 – Initial contact: You receive an unsolicited message from someone pretending to be from Passion Digital (often using fake recruiter names like “Elena”).
Step 2 – The hook: They offer “easy money” for simple online tasks such as rating products, following shops on Shein, or liking social media posts.
Step 3 – Building trust: To make it feel genuine, scammers may send a small “test” payment (₱30 via GCash, or a few pounds/dollars).
Step 4 – The trap: You’re added to a Telegram group called “Passion Digital POC”, alongside supposed “colleagues” who are also fake.
Step 5 – The scam: You’re told to cover costs such as a “Joint Product” or other fake company expenses.
Step 6 – The threats: If you refuse to pay, scammers threaten legal action or intimidation to pressure you.
This is a classic job scam and extortion tactic. None of this has anything to do with the real Passion Digital.
Real examples
Below are screenshots of how scammers have approached people while pretending to be Passion Digital. These examples show the exact language and tactics being used to trick job seekers across different digital platforms. We’re sharing them because people have sadly been defrauded under our company’s name, and it’s important to raise awareness.
We’ve blurred sensitive details, but kept the scam messages intact so you can clearly see how these fraudsters operate.
- Read the live Reddit post here:
By sharing these examples, we hope you’ll recognise the signs and avoid becoming a victim.
How to spot job scams: 5 red flags
Red flag 1: Unsolicited job offers on messaging apps
Real employers don’t recruit this way. At Passion Digital, we only contact candidates who apply directly through our official careers page or our company LinkedIn profile. If you receive an unexpected offer through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or social DMs, it is a scam.
Red flag 2: “Easy money” for simple online tasks
If a role promises high pay for unrealistic “simple” tasks like rating products, liking posts or clicking links, be aware. It’s a scam.
Red flag 3: Any request for payment
Legitimate employers never ask candidates to pay upfront, cover expenses, or buy into “Joint Products.” If money is requested, it’s fraud.
Red flag 4: Threats or intimidation
Real employers don’t threaten candidates with lawsuits, fines or legal consequences. These threats are empty intimidation tactics used by scammers.
Red flag 5: Small “trust-building” payments
Any small payment from a scammer is bait to gain your trust before demanding much larger sums later.
What to do if you’ve been contacted by scammers
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Stop all communication — Don’t reply or engage further
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Block the accounts — Block numbers, emails and social profiles linked to the scam
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Warn others (if safe) — If you’re in a Telegram group, warn others before leaving
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Never send money — No matter what they say, do not transfer funds
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Report the scam — File a report with:
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Action Fraud (UK): 0300 123 2040 / actionfraud.police.uk
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FTC (US): reportfraud.ftc.gov
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Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
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The platform you were contacted on (WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram etc.)
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Your local police or consumer protection agency
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Secure your information — Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, alert your bank, check your credit report and set up fraud alerts if needed
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Keep evidence — Save screenshots, phone numbers, emails, fake payment requests and group details for investigations
How to verify real job opportunities at Passion Digital
There’s only one way to apply for a genuine role with Passion Digital: through our official website at passion.digital.
We will never:
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Contact you through WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or social messaging apps
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Use free email domains (like Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook)
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Ask you to pay for training, software or “Joint Products”
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Offer jobs without a proper interview process
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Promise “easy money” for liking posts or rating products
How to avoid job scams in general
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Research the company — Check the official website, Companies House (UK), or trusted review platforms like Glassdoor
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Check the job post — Real roles include clear responsibilities, qualifications and realistic salaries
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Know the common scam types — These include reshipping goods, WhatsApp job offers with no interview, Telegram group scams, or any job requiring upfront payments
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Trust your instincts — If it feels wrong, it probably is
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Expect professionalism — Real employers use official emails, hold interviews, issue contracts and pay via secure payroll
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Never pay for a job — Legitimate employers cover costs. Any request for money is fraud
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Protect your information — Never share sensitive personal or financial details with unverified recruiters
We’re here to help you stay safe
Thank you to everyone who has flagged these scams. Your vigilance helps protect others. If you’re ever unsure about a job claiming to be from Passion Digital:
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Check our careers page at Passion Digital Careers
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Verify via our official LinkedIn profile
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Contact us directly through our website contact form
Please share this warning with friends, family and anyone job-hunting. The more people who recognise these tactics, the fewer victims fraudsters can claim.
The bottom line
The real Passion Digital will never:
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Ask you to pay for a job
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Recruit via WhatsApp or Telegram
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Threaten you with legal action
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Offer “easy money” for simple clicks or likes
Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it is.
Stay safe, stay sceptical and always verify before you trust.
Last updated: October 2025