HIGHLIGHTS

Praveen Kumar, the victim, received a message on Telegram from someone who identified himself as Sadeep Arora.

The message promised monetary compensation in exchange for providing a 5-star rating on a specific link.

Curious and lured by the offer, Kumar decided to take part.

In the ever-evolving digital age, our interactions with strangers online have become both frequent and varied, applicable to various domains including work and social networking. Nevertheless, this rise in online communication has also invigorated the threats posed by unscrupulous individuals. A recent incident highlights how easily one can fall prey to scams masked as genuine offers. In this unsettling case, a man was duped into losing a staggering sum of Rs 1,49,999 due to a fabricated rating scheme.

This victim, identified as Praveen Kumar, received a seemingly innocent message on the popular messaging platform Telegram from a user who claimed to be Sadeep Arora. The enticing message proposed monetary compensation in return for providing a glowing 5-star rating through a specified link. With the allure of quick cash, Kumar was tempted to engage further with Arora’s offer.

For those interested in similar stories, you may want to read: Maharashtra man loses Rs 54.9 lakh in online job scam: Here’s how to avoid such frauds

Driven by curiosity and the prospect of easy money, Kumar decided to proceed with the task. What followed was a series of requests for payments that led him to make an initial outlay of Rs 3,099. Convinced this step was necessary to complete the task, he complied without hesitation. However, the situation escalated further when he was instructed to pay an additional sum of Rs 15,999 for three subsequent tasks. As the demands mounted, he unwittingly transferred a total of Rs 1,49,999 across different bank accounts.

It wasn’t until a later request for an additional Rs 2,99,999 popped up that Kumar’s alarm bells began to ring. Troubled by the situation and the growing realization of the scam, he promptly filed a complaint with the Kota Police Station in hopes of seeking justice.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and remain vigilant when it comes to tempting offers encountered online. Such scams can occur with alarming frequency, targeting unsuspecting individuals drawn in by the promise of easy earnings.

For more insights into online scams, you might be interested in: Goa Man loses Rs 7 lakh in task-based scam: Here’s what happened

How to avoid such scams

• Be sceptical of unsolicited messages: If you happen to receive an unexpected message that promises money for relatively simple tasks, approach it with caution. Scammers are known for enticing potential victims with alluring offers.
• Verify the source: Before clicking on any provided links or sending money, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of the sender. Look for warning signs such as unknown contact details or unusual links that appear suspicious.
• Do not pay upfront: Reputable companies or individuals will never request upfront payments for services or specific tasks.
• Report suspicious activities: Should you suspect that you’ve encountered a scam, it’s advisable to report it to the relevant authorities immediately to mitigate further risk and prevent potential losses.