Pesatube is a Scam – The Fake Earnings Trap That Never Pays Out

A new scam is unfolding, and while it has not yet reached its full cycle, the patterns are already clear.

Pesatube.site presents itself as an easy way to earn money online, following the same fraudulent formula that has been used time and again. The pitch is simple: users can supposedly make money by watching videos, completing simple tasks, and referring others.

The reality, however, is that this is nothing more than an elaborate trap designed to lure people in with fake earnings while ensuring that no real payouts ever happen.

The same tactics have been used before, and the outcome is always the same. No one gets paid. The scam continues until enough people realise what is happening, and then it either collapses or pivots to an even more deceptive phase—one that usually involves asking users for deposits.

This is the standard trajectory for online scams of this nature, and there is nothing about Pesatube that suggests it will be any different.

Pesatube’s “Too Good to Be True” Earnings Model

The model that Pesatube presents to users follows a script that has been seen before in other fraudulent schemes. On the surface, it appears to be a simple and risk-free way to make money online. The structure is based on the following key components:

• Watching videos supposedly earns users R20 to R25 per video, with each video lasting between 30 seconds and a minute.
• Referrals earn R20 per new sign-up, along with a 25% commission on the earnings of those referrals.
• Users are led to believe that simple “tasks” can generate hundreds or even thousands of rands.
• Withdrawals are promised through Mpesa, FNB Pay, MoMo, and bank transfer, supposedly making payments easy and accessible.

On the surface, this may seem like a lucrative opportunity, but a closer examination reveals a different reality. The fundamental issue with this model is that it is not sustainable, nor is it backed by any real revenue source.

There is no clear indication of how Pesatube would be able to pay such large sums to users, and in cases like these, the answer is always the same—they are not paying anyone.

This fraudulent video-watching model is identical to the Stagwell TV scam, which also claimed users could earn money by watching trailers and videos.

That scam, like Pesatube, relied on fake earnings to keep users engaged before ultimately collapsing. A full breakdown of how the Stagwell TV scam operated and how it failed can be found here.

The Fake Withdrawals and Manipulated Dashboard Activity

One of the most common tactics used by scams of this nature is the illusion of real activity. Pesatube relies on a combination of fake earnings, fake withdrawals, and a fake sense of urgency to keep users engaged.

Users see their dashboards fill up with earnings, giving them the impression that they are accumulating real money. The platform even provides withdrawal confirmations, showing amounts that supposedly range into the thousands. However, multiple users have reported that these withdrawals never reach their accounts.

Screenshots extracted from the scam reveal the following:

• A pending withdrawal request of R6,900 on 4 March 2025.
• Another pending withdrawal of R3,050.
• A fake system message claiming R9,500 sent to some user “via bank transfer”, despite no proof of actual payments being made.

The withdrawals exist only on the platform, creating a false sense of legitimacy to keep users engaged. The idea is that if users believe others are being paid, they will continue participating, unaware that no actual payouts are occurring.

Pesatube’s Technical Issues and the Excuses Used to Mask a Failing Scam

Another clear red flag is the repeated technical failures on the Pesatube website. As more users attempt to access the site, it has repeatedly crashed, resulting in error messages that appear to be part of an attempt to pacify users.

One such message, which appeared when the site was down, reads:

“Oops! Taking a Quick Coffee Break. Our server just needed a quick breather—probably jealous of all the money you’re making!”

Scammers often attempt to humanise fraud by making errors seem harmless or lighthearted, when in reality, the website struggles indicate a deeper problem.

The volume of new users trying to cash out is likely causing a strain on their system, as they cannot process withdrawals they never intended to make in the first place.

Instead of acknowledging this, they attempt to distract users with humour and reassurance, encouraging them to remain engaged while continuing to waste their time.

The Fake Business That Does Not Exist

One of the most straightforward ways to confirm that Pesatube is a scam is to check whether it is a legally registered business.

A search through CIPC, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission of South Africa, confirms that Pesatube is not registered. Neither is Momowatch.site, which appears to be a backup domain for the same scam.

Furthermore, Pesatube is not registered as a financial service provider (FSP) with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This is an important distinction because if the scam eventually introduces a deposit requirement, it will be doing so illegally.

The domain history of the two sites also raises questions:

• Momowatch was registered on 17 January 2025.
• Pesatube followed shortly after, on 31 January 2025.

It is common for scams to have backup domains ready so that if one collapses, the next one can quickly take its place. While Pesatube is currently the better-known name, Momowatch is likely there as a contingency plan.

The Next Phase: The Inevitable Deposit Requirement

Right now, Pesatube is in what can be described as the data collection and engagement phase. This is the stage where they convince users that they have money waiting for them, creating an artificial sense of value.

As seen in other scam models, the next phase is predictable. Once enough users are engaged and believe they have earnings waiting for them, the scam will introduce a requirement for deposits.

At that point, users will be told that they must deposit money before being allowed to withdraw. The justification will likely be framed as a verification fee, an activation fee, or some other fabricated requirement.

Of course, these deposits will never lead to any payouts. The goal is simply to take money from users before the scheme inevitably collapses.

The Final Verdict: Pesatube is a Fraudulent Scheme That Will Not Pay Out

There is no ambiguity in what is happening here. Pesatube is a scam, and it follows a well-established pattern that has been seen before.

1. The illusion of easy earnings – Users are shown fake earnings to make them believe they are accumulating money.
2. Manipulated withdrawals – Fake withdrawal confirmations create the impression that payouts are happening when they are not.
3. The eventual introduction of a deposit requirement – Once users are fully engaged, they will be asked to deposit money before being allowed to withdraw.
4. Collapse or transition to a new scam – When enough people realise they have been deceived, the site will either disappear or shift to a new name.

Pesatube is not paying now, and it will not pay in the future. Avoid it entirely.