Crazy Crypto Challenges Push People to the Edge

A new online platform has started a wave of risky challenges that promise cryptocurrency rewards. The site, which began in early January, lets anyone post a task and anyone else try it for a chance to win digital money. The most extreme tasks include sticking one’s face in a toilet, getting a tattoo on the forehead, or climbing Mount Everest. Since it launched, the site has paid out more than $370, 000 in crypto. Most of the tasks look silly or harmless. Some participants have earned a few dozen dollars for feeding stray cats, donating clothes, or dumping milk over their heads while shouting the name of a cryptocurrency. One person even dressed in a gorilla suit and earned $322 for walking around in public.The highest‑paying jobs are dangerous. A man from the Philippines won $15, 000 worth of crypto after tattooing “bounty. fun” on his forehead. Another challenge offers $57, 200 to anyone who can climb Mount Everest and place a bet on a gambling site. A World Cup‑related task promises about $26, 000 to someone who holds a sign at every match. Other odd jobs include quitting a job on camera for $3, 100 or dressing up as a purple baby meme character for $287. People who create the challenges are mostly crypto fans. The platform warns participants that they do so at their own risk, but critics argue it exploits desperation and encourages shameful acts. State officials and industry leaders have called the site a “dystopian nightmare” that turns entertainment into exploitation. The platform has not responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, users continue to upload videos of themselves completing the bizarre tasks in hopes of earning a quick crypto payout.