UMG Task Scam: The Financial Trap Targeting Ethiopians – Protect Yourself Now
A Message to the Ethiopian Community
If you have seen warnings circulating on Jawar Mohammed’s social media channels about a financial scam, this article is for you. The UMG Task Scam is real, it is spreading, and it is costing Ethiopians their hard-earned money. Here is everything you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Is the UMG Task Scam?
This is a “task-based” advance-fee scam. Scammers illegally use the name and logo of Universal Music Group (UMG) to appear legitimate, but the real UMG has absolutely nothing to do with this scheme.
The scam preys on people looking for flexible online work, promising easy money for simple tasks like liking YouTube videos, subscribing to channels, or reviewing songs. This type of scam is part of a broader wave of WhatsApp job scams that have hit victims across Africa in 2026, including in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, and Ethiopia .
How the Trap Works – Step by Step
Step 1: The Bait
You receive an unsolicited message on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook offering a “flexible part-time job.” The offer sounds appealing: earn money from home by completing simple tasks. These unsolicited messages typically come from international numbers and target people looking for remote work .
Step 2: The Hook – Small Payments Build Trust
To make the scheme look real, scammers let you complete 3 to 5 simple tasks and actually pay you a small amount – often through local mobile money platforms like Telebirr . This tricks victims into believing the platform is legitimate. One victim reported receiving 100–200 Birr for initial tasks before being asked for a 1,000 Birr deposit .
Step 3: The Trap – “VIP Upgrade” Fees
Once you are hooked, the rules change. Scammers claim you must deposit your own money to upgrade to a “VIP Tier” or premium account to unlock more tasks and higher earnings . They may call this a “registration fee,” “training kit,” or “security deposit” .
Step 4: The Exit – Ghosting
Your dashboard shows growing “earnings.” But when you try to withdraw, the system blocks you. Scammers demand a “withdrawal tax” or “security fee” to release your money. Once you pay – or refuse to pay more – they freeze your account, delete the group, and vanish with your cash .
Red Flags You Must Know
Security authorities worldwide identify these clear warning signs of a scam :
· Unsolicited messages through WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook groups
· Promises of unrealistic returns with no risk – nobody pays $20/hour for copy-paste typing
· Requests to pay fees (tax, admin, security, or upgrade fees) to withdraw earnings – legitimate employers never demand upfront payment
· Use of forged documents or misuse of legitimate company names and logos
· Payments required to unknown or unrelated accounts – often “mule accounts”
· High-pressure tactics or fear of missing out (FOMO) to rush your decision
· The recruiter avoids video calls and only communicates in text
Why Ethiopians Are Being Targeted
This scam exploits economic vulnerability. With high youth unemployment and inflation, the promise of earning digital currency or foreign exchange by simply clicking links is incredibly appealing .
· Telebirr Trust: Receiving initial payments through Telebirr makes the scam feel officially “vetted” and legitimate to many users. However, Ethio Telecom has issued warnings about fraud, noting that staff will never ask you to share your PIN or password, and that you should never share personal information such as your one-time passcode with anyone .
· Diaspora Connection: Scammers target Ethiopians abroad, offering “work-from-home” gigs to supplement family income sent home.
· Currency Pressure: With the Birr facing inflation, the promise of “USD-pegged” earnings is especially tempting.
· Social Media Reach: Scammers exploit the widespread use of WhatsApp and Telegram in Ethiopia .
Jawar Mohammed’s Warning – Why You Should Listen
Jawar Mohammed has been sounding the alarm on these scams across his media platforms. Multiple reports have documented his long-standing role in exposing threats and injustices affecting Ethiopians .
The UMG Task Scam is not a political issue – it is a financial crime that crosses all boundaries. Victims are coming forward on Jawar’s social media channels, sharing their experiences and warning others. This is not about politics; it is about protecting our community from sophisticated fraudsters.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Stop sending money immediately. No matter what they promise, more payments will not unlock your funds .
- Report it. File a complaint with:
· The Ethiopian police
· Cybercrime reporting platforms
· Your mobile money provider (Telebirr) – you can dial 994, 127, or send SMS to 9090 if you are suspicious of spam or fraudulent messages
· The Ministry of Labour and Skills’ Ethiopian Labour Market Information System (lmis.gov.et) for legitimate job opportunities - Warn others. Share your experience so family and friends do not fall for the same trap .
- Save evidence. Keep screenshots of conversations, transaction records, and group details.
The Golden Rule of Online Safety
No legitimate employer will ever demand that you pay money upfront to receive your salary or withdraw your earnings.
The real Universal Music Group (UMG) never hires random individuals via messaging apps to complete click-based tasks.
Be equally cautious of other scams, such as fake job offers claiming to be from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offering overseas work. The Ministry has warned that letters circulating on social media claiming to offer Canadian jobs are fake . Similarly, fraudulent job advertisements have been posted on Telegram asking for payments through Telebirr, with legitimate organizations like Welthungerhilfe confirming they do not use Telegram or Telebirr for hiring .
Other Scams to Watch Out For
Beyond the UMG Task Scam, Ethiopians should be aware of other financial traps:
· Tender Scams: Fraudulent tender invitations targeting foreign businesses, often involving unsolicited emails offering sole-source contracts and requests for upfront registration fees .
· High-Cost Microloans: Some digital microlending providers charge interest rates exceeding 300% annually, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt .
· Job Scams: Fake employment offers on social media, often involving registration fees or “training kit” payments .
Share This Warning
Scammers thrive on silence. By sharing this information with your family, friends, and community networks, you can help stop these criminals from taking more of our money.
Protect yourself. Protect your community. Stay informed.
This article is based on documented scam reports, Jawar Mohammed’s public warnings, and official statements from Ethiopian authorities and international organizations.
For distribution. This warning may be shared freely.
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