HIGHLIGHTS

A young physiotherapist fell victim to a scam after encountering an ad promising to double his investment.

When he interacted with the ad, it redirected him to an online gaming platform.

The platform enticed users with deposit and withdrawal functionalities.

It’s astonishing how a simple scroll through social media can morph into a horrifying experience. Recently, a 23-year-old physiotherapist found this out the hard way, losing a significant sum of Rs 1.9 lakh to an online gaming scam. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers lurking online, and we’ll explore the details of this scam as well as tips on how to safeguard yourself from similar traps.

The sequence of events began on April 18 when the young man was leisurely browsing through Instagram reels. He stumbled upon an advertisement that boldly claimed it could double his money. Intrigued and swayed by the allure of easy money, he clicked on the ad, which then led him to a dubious gaming website.

For further reading, check out this article: Retired government official loses Rs 22 lakh after clicking on an ad: Here’s what transpired.

Upon entering the site, he discovered features that enabled users to deposit funds and attempt withdrawals. He began his journey by depositing Rs 101, repeating this transaction 100 times, as outlined by reports from TOI. To his delight, the platform indicated that he had received bonus amounts in addition to his initial deposits, reinforcing his belief that the site was legitimate.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated when he attempted to withdraw his earnings. The withdrawal option was mysteriously disabled, prompting the website to request additional funds. This led him to make further deposits in increments from April 18 until May 5. In total, he ended up transferring a staggering Rs 1.9 lakh, yet he was still unable to access any of his funds.

For more alarming stories, consider reading: Elderly man loses Rs 3.75 crore in an online trading scam: Here’s what matched his experience and tips to avoid it.

How to steer clear of these scams

• Be cautious of quick-money schemes: If an advertisement promises to double your money in no time, exercise skepticism since it’s likely a scam.
• Avoid interacting with dubious links: Ads on social media can mislead users; always verify the advertisement source prior to clicking.
• Stick to reputable platforms: Engage only with known and trusted apps when it comes to gaming or investment activities.
• Never disclose sensitive financial information: Avoid entering personal or banking details on unverified websites at all costs.
• Report suspicious activities: If you have any concerns regarding potential fraud, report it promptly to local authorities or a cybercrime helpline.