AI Bots Promise Pay for Human Work—Reporter Earns Nothing in Shocking Experiment

In a startling revelation that underscores the fragility of the emerging AI labor economy, German investigative journalist Felix Römer conducted a controlled experiment to test the legitimacy of platforms claiming to hire humans to perform tasks for artificial intelligence agents. The result? Zero pay, zero communication, and a system built on empty promises.

Römer, a reporter for The Decoder, signed up for Rentahuman, a platform advertising itself as a bridge between AI-driven companies and human workers who complete microtasks—such as data labeling, content moderation, and customer service simulations—that AI systems allegedly cannot yet handle autonomously. The platform’s website featured polished graphics, testimonials, and clear payment structures, suggesting a legitimate gig economy model. Römer accepted a series of tasks, including categorizing images, transcribing audio snippets, and answering simulated customer queries—all of which he completed meticulously and submitted on time.

Yet, despite fulfilling every requirement, Römer received no confirmation of task acceptance, no feedback, and no payment. His attempts to contact customer support went unanswered. After more than two weeks of silence, he reached out via multiple channels—including email, in-app messaging, and social media—only to find the platform’s contact pages had been removed, and its social media accounts were inactive.

According to The Decoder, Römer’s experience is not an isolated incident. Multiple freelance workers on similar platforms, including other AI intermediary services like TaskAI and BotHire, have reported similar patterns: sign-up bonuses, fake progress trackers, and non-existent payout systems. These platforms often operate under the guise of "AI-human collaboration," leveraging the public’s fascination with artificial intelligence to attract labor without ever intending to compensate it.

Experts warn that such schemes are part of a broader trend in which startups exploit the ambiguity surrounding AI capabilities. "Many of these platforms are not using AI to augment human labor—they’re using the *idea* of AI to extract free labor," says Dr. Lena Müller, a digital labor researcher at the University of Berlin. "The human workers are essentially performing the very tasks that AI is supposed to replace, but without wages, protections, or transparency. It’s a Ponzi scheme disguised as innovation."

Regulatory bodies have yet to respond to these practices. While labor laws in the EU require fair compensation for work performed, enforcement remains weak in the digital gig economy, particularly when platforms operate across borders or use shell companies. Römer’s investigation has prompted calls from digital rights groups for greater transparency and mandatory disclosure of whether tasks are handled by humans or AI.

The broader implications are troubling. As AI becomes a buzzword in tech marketing, vulnerable workers—especially those seeking remote income—are being lured into systems that offer no security, no recourse, and no payment. Römer’s experiment serves as a cautionary tale: in the race to appear cutting-edge, some companies are not building AI—they’re building illusions.

For now, Römer has published his findings in full on The Decoder, urging regulators and the public to scrutinize platforms that promise AI-powered work but deliver only empty promises. "If you’re being asked to work for an AI, ask who’s really behind it—and whether they’re paying anyone at all," he writes.