HIGHLIGHTS

A woman masquerading as a “team leader” lured the victim with attractive work-from-home job offers.

Through the Telegram app, she introduced him to an online game with the promise of significant rewards.

Deceived by the convincing scheme, he ended up paying substantial amounts to participate in the game.

In an era where digital platforms open up myriad job opportunities, they also bring an unsettling reality: the threat of online scams. A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Maharashtra, where a 33-year-old man fell prey to cybercriminals, resulting in a loss of Rs 54.9 lakh. His ordeal serves as a warning about the lurking dangers of online job scams that can ensnare even the most cautious individuals.

The scheme began when the man was contacted by a woman who presented herself as a “team leader” for a business that promised genuine work-from-home job opportunities. She captivated his interest and introduced him to an online game through the Telegram messaging application, asserting that he could win significant cash rewards by participating.

Convinced by the unscrupulous fraudster’s assurances, the man started making payments to engage in the game. His payments began in September 2024, and over several months, he transferred a staggering total of Rs 54.9 lakh to the scammers’ accounts.

Despite his relentless contributions, the disappointment soon set in when he realized that there were no returns or prizes forthcoming. Once the realization dawned that he had been tricked, he promptly reported the incident to the police.

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

How to Protect Yourself From Such Scams

• Be wary of unsolicited job offers: If you receive a job proposal that seems too good to be true, reassess the situation. Reputable companies generally do not reach out to potential employees spontaneously.
• Avoid paying upfront: Scammers frequently demand payment in advance for alleged training or job-related fees. Always ensure you validate the legitimacy of a job before transferring any money.
• Research the company: Conduct thorough research on any organization presenting job opportunities. Investigate reviews, check their official website, and verify their contact details to ensure they are trustworthy.
• Utilize verified job platforms: When seeking work-from-home opportunities, stick to reputable job portals and platforms that have been verified to safeguard against scams.
• Report any suspicious activity: If you suspect that you might be encountering a scam, promptly report it to the authorities to help prevent others from becoming victims.

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