HIGHLIGHTS

It all began when the victim received a WhatsApp message offering simple work-from-home tasks that promised easy earnings.

The sender directed him to add a product to his shopping cart and send a screenshot as proof.

Initially, the tasks were straightforward, and he received payments, but soon he was lured into more complex, prepaid tasks.

In today’s digital age, numerous individuals search for work-from-home opportunities to supplement their income. Unfortunately, this trend has also attracted a rise in deceptive scams. A recent incident involving a 37-year-old man from Karol Bagh, Delhi, illustrates the perils of falling prey to such schemes. He was swindled out of nearly Rs 11 lakh by scammers posing as legitimate job providers. The following narrative details how the scam unfolded and offers guidance on how individuals can safeguard themselves from similar plots.

The alarm bells began to ring on January 20, when the complainant received an unsolicited WhatsApp message promising easy money through work-from-home tasks. In this initial communication, the sender instructed him to add a product to his cart and then send a screenshot to verify his completion of the task. Following this, the victim was added to a social media group where he received a special code. This code was sent to a user with a feminine username who guided him through the process. This interaction led to his first payment of Rs 150, fostering a sense of trust towards the operation.

Following his initial success, the fraudsters introduced him to a series of increasingly complex tasks, enticing him to complete more assignments for financial gain. Initially, the tasks involved straightforward actions, and he received his payments without issue. However, as he became more engaged, the perpetrators shifted the scheme to involve “prepaid tasks.” In these tasks, he was required to pay a specified fee upfront and was promised a refund alongside a lucrative 30 percent commission, as reported by TOI.

The bogus opportunity seemed legitimate; the victim was duped into believing in the authenticity of the operation. He started with an investment of Rs 1,000, which he later received back along with some profit. This initial success provided the scammers with enough leverage to manipulate him into investing larger sums of money.

However, as the interactions progressed, the scammers’ demands for money became more aggressive. One fateful day, when the victim requested to withdraw his earnings, he faced immediate resistance. The perpetrators pressed him into completing one last task that involved a payment of Rs 2 lakh. Even after complying with this request, the demands didn’t cease. It eventually became clear—he had been ensnared in a web of deceit, losing a staggering Rs 11 lakh in total.

Upon realizing the extent of the fraud, the victim promptly lodged a complaint with the police, seeking justice for the substantial financial loss he endured.

Also read: Woman loses Rs 1.16 lakh after fake crime branch call: Here’s how the scam unfolded

Essential Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams

• Exercise caution with work-from-home job offers via WhatsApp or social media. If it appears too good to be true, it more than likely is.
• Never make upfront payments for job-related tasks or training. Legitimate organizations do not require candidates to pay fees.
• Conduct thorough checks on company information. Research potential employers and seek out their official websites or customer reviews.
• Be vigilant about sharing personal or financial information with unfamiliar contacts.
• Always trust your instincts. If something feels off or suspicious, it’s wise to disengage.
• If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the authorities as soon as possible. Remain alert and take necessary measures to protect yourself from online fraud.