A woman in Navi Mumbai has tragically lost Rs 15 lakh in an elaborate online job scam. The fraud, which has become increasingly common, started with a simple message on WhatsApp from an international number, offering a part-time job that involved liking YouTube videos for money. The cybercrime police have since registered a case and are actively investigating this widespread scheme.
How the ‘Like and Earn’ Scam Unfolded
The incident began when the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be an HR representative from a digital marketing firm. The offer was tempting: earn between Rs 50 and Rs 150 for every YouTube video she liked and every channel she subscribed to. This seemingly easy way to make money online quickly caught her attention.
To build trust, the scammers made a few initial payments to the woman after she completed the first set of simple tasks. This small gesture was a crucial step in convincing her that the opportunity was legitimate.
Once her trust was secured, she was added to a Telegram group. In this group, other members, who were likely part of the scam, posted messages and screenshots claiming they had earned lakhs of rupees through the same job. This created a powerful sense of social proof, making the victim feel confident about the scheme.
The Investment Trap and Financial Loss
The next phase of the scam involved moving the victim to a fake website created by the fraudsters. She was told that to earn higher returns, she needed to “upgrade” her account by investing her own money. The website was designed to look professional and even showed her investment growing rapidly, sometimes doubling in a short period.
This illusion of high profits encouraged her to invest more and more money.
However, when she decided to withdraw her supposed earnings, the scam hit its final stage. The fraudsters demanded additional payments, citing various reasons like processing fees, withdrawal charges, and taxes. Trapped in a cycle of paying more to get her money back, the woman eventually lost a total of Rs 15 lakh before realizing she had been cheated.
A Growing Menace of Online Job Frauds
The ‘like and earn’ scam is not an isolated incident. According to cybercrime authorities, these types of online frauds are surging across India. Scammers are using popular platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube to find and lure their next victims with promises of easy money.
They employ sophisticated methods to appear credible, including creating fake websites, forging documents, and using psychological tricks to manipulate people. The collective financial loss from these scams has already run into crores of rupees, affecting hundreds of unsuspecting individuals. The police have noted that the scammers often operate in large, organized groups, making them difficult to track.
Cybercrime Police Advisory on Staying Safe
In response to the rising number of such cases, the cybercrime police have issued an advisory with several tips to help citizens protect themselves from online job scams. Following this advice can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these fraudsters.
- Never send money to unknown persons for investment. Always verify the company’s official website, regulatory approvals, and contact details before making any financial commitment.
- Be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true. High returns with little to no effort is a classic red flag for a scam. Always verify the source and authenticity of any job offer.
- Do not share personal or financial information. This includes your bank account details, passwords, or Aadhaar number with anyone online, especially those you don’t know.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Scammers often send links that can install malware on your device to steal your data. Never download attachments from unverified sources.
If you encounter any suspicious activity, it is crucial to report it to the national cybercrime reporting portal or your local police immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Job Scams
What is the ‘like and earn’ scam?
The ‘like and earn’ scam is a type of online fraud where scammers offer money for simple tasks like liking YouTube videos or social media posts. After gaining the victim’s trust with small initial payments, they trick them into investing large sums of money with the promise of higher returns, which they never receive.
How do scammers build trust with their victims?
Scammers build trust by initially making small, genuine payments for completed tasks. They also use social proof by adding victims to fake groups on platforms like Telegram, where other “members” share stories of their success and high earnings to make the scheme look legitimate.
What are the common red flags of an online job scam?
Common red flags include offers that sound too good to be true, requests to pay money to get a job or earn more, communication through unofficial channels like WhatsApp, and pressure to make quick financial decisions. Legitimate companies will not ask you to pay for a job.
What should I do if I have been scammed?
If you have been scammed, you should immediately report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or dial the helpline number 1930. Also, inform your bank to block any further transactions and report the fraudulent numbers and accounts on the respective platforms.
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