HIGHLIGHTS

It all kicked off when the complainant received a WhatsApp message stating he could earn money by providing ratings for various products online.

Intrigued by the enticing offer, he opted to explore it further.

Shortly thereafter, he was invited to join a Telegram group where he was instructed to rate products listed on Amazon.

Have you ever been presented with an alluring offer on platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram that promised effortless earnings? Such strategies are frequently employed by fraudsters to ensnare their victims. Unfortunately, Abhishek Jain, a local garment manufacturer, became another victim of this familiar scam, losing a staggering Rs 9.4 lakh in the process.

The initial spark of the scam ignited when Jain, 29, received a WhatsApp message claiming he could make money effortlessly by rating products online. Intrigued by this offer, he decided to delve deeper and give it a shot. Before long, he was added to a Telegram group where he received instructions to rate a range of products available on Amazon. Jain soon discovered that for each product he rated, he would earn Rs 50. Once his total earnings reached Rs 300, he was rewarded with his first payout. This successful transaction fostered a sense of trust in the scheme.

Additionally, you can read about another alarming case: Student loses Rs 16 lakh meant for college fees in stock market scam: Here’s what happened.

As Jain’s earnings accumulated, he was invited to several more Telegram groups and continued his product-rating endeavors. However, the situation took a sharp turn when he was introduced to yet another group that focused on cryptocurrency trading. The persuasive con artists encouraged him to invest, promising significant returns on his investments. Jain, convinced by their convincing rhetoric, began to invest heavily; over time, he transferred a total of Rs 9.4 lakh into their account, according to reports from TOI.

The situation further deteriorated when Jain was instructed to deposit an additional sum of Rs 5 lakh in order to access his so-called profits. It was at this crucial moment that Jain came to the painful realization that he had fallen victim to a scam. He had not only emptied his own savings but had also utilized funds from his father’s account.

Moreover, if you find this incident shocking, consider the story of another victim: Lost over Rs 1 cr! Noida family becomes the latest victim of a digital scam, here’s what happened.

Preventative Measures Against Such Scams

• Verify the source: Always approach messages or offers from unknown contacts with skepticism. It’s crucial to authenticate the legitimacy of any platform or opportunity before proceeding.
• Beware of easy money: Exercise caution with unsolicited messages, particularly those that promise quick cash for seemingly trivial tasks.
• Conduct research before investing: If you’re approached to invest in anything online, ensure you perform thorough research. Look for user reviews or any indications that might raise suspicions.
• Report suspicious activity: Should you sense that you might be falling victim to a scam, it’s imperative to report it to the authorities without delay.