Maharashtra man loses Rs 54.9 lakh in online job scam: How to avoid falling for such frauds

Updated on 28-Jan-2025
HIGHLIGHTS

The victim was approached by a woman posing as a “team leader” from a company offering legitimate work-from-home jobs.

The fraudster introduced him to an online game via the Telegram messaging app, claiming that substantial prize money awaited him if he participated.

Believing the offer was real, the man was convinced to pay money to play the game.

In today’s digital age, online job opportunities seem like an easy way to earn money from the comfort of your home. However, this convenience can sometimes come with hidden dangers. A 33-year-old man from Maharashtra found himself caught in a web of deceit, losing Rs 54.9 lakh to cyber fraudsters. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online job scams.

The victim was approached by a woman posing as a “team leader” from a company offering legitimate work-from-home jobs. The fraudster introduced him to an online game via the Telegram messaging app, claiming that substantial prize money awaited him if he participated.

Believing the offer was real, the man was convinced to pay money to play the game. The payments began in September 2024, and over the course of several months, he sent a total of Rs 54.9 lakh to the scammers.

Despite his continuous payments, the man never received any returns or prize money. Realising he had been duped, the victim filed a complaint with the police.

Also read: Goa Man loses Rs 7 lakh in task-based scam: Here’s what happened

How to avoid such scams

  • Be cautious of unsolicited offers: If someone reaches out to you with a job offer, especially if it sounds too good to be true, take a step back. Legitimate companies don’t usually approach individuals out of the blue.
  • Don’t pay upfront: Scammers often ask for money upfront for so-called training or fees to participate in a job. Never pay money for a job you haven’t verified.
  • Verify the company: Research the company offering the job. Look for reviews, official websites, and contact information to ensure it’s legitimate.
  • Use trusted platforms: Stick to well-known job portals and verified platforms when searching for online work opportunities.
  • Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further victims from falling prey.

Also read: Woman loses Rs 1.32 cr after trusting a WhatsApp message: Here’s what happened

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds.

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