Work-from-home scams are rising in India, 100 victims lose Rs 2.5 crore to scammers

By Munzir AhmadAs an internet user in India, I am deeply alarmed by the growing prevalence of online scams that are resulting in significant financial losses and emotional distress for unsuspecting individuals. This troubling trend is causing great concern and highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to safeguard against these fraudulent activities. In my recent conversations with nearly 100 victims of online fraud, I discovered that collectively, they lost over 2.5 crore rupees to scammers.

The scam usually begins with a message from scammers pretending to be HR representatives from well-known companies. They lure victims by asking them to like and follow social media accounts and YouTube videos, and even send them money to gain their trust. Victims are then led to believe that they are involved in a legitimate business as the scammers give them daily payments to their accounts.

However, the scam takes a sinister turn when the scammers add the victims to a Telegram group where they create fake, sophisticated, and original-looking crypto trading platforms. They ask victims to send them money and perform certain tasks to multiply their investment. To further deceive victims, the scammers create fake virtual wallets to make them believe that their money is safe and secure.

Tragically, victims often find themselves trapped in this scheme, sending money on a daily basis and sometimes losing their life savings. Some victims have even borrowed money from friends, only to fall victim to the scam and lose it all. Despite filing complaints, they are yet to see any resolution or recovery of their funds.

One of the perplexing questions victims have is how scammers are able to open bank accounts in reputable banks and register them as companies. They are also puzzled by the fact that banks do not freeze fraudulent accounts when they notice big and unusual transactions. Scammers take advantage of privacy features on platforms like Telegram, where they can communicate in groups without revealing their phone numbers, and they often delete all their chats and account information, making it challenging to track them down.

In light of these distressing incidents, it is crucial for all internet users in India to be cautious and vigilant. Here are some simple yet important steps we can take to protect ourselves from falling victim to online scams:

–Verify the authenticity of work-from-home offersIf you receive offers for work-from-home opportunities or online businesses, research thoroughly and verify the legitimacy of the offer before investing your time or money. Be cautious of promises of high returns or easy money.

–Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or emailsDo not trust unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls, especially if they ask for personal information, financial transactions, or investments. Always verify the authenticity of the sender and the content of the communication.

–Protect your personal informationDo not share personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, Aadhaar numbers, or other sensitive information unless absolutely necessary and with trusted entities. Be cautious of sharing information on social media platforms.

–Be cautious of crypto-related schemesIf you are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, educate yourself about the risks and best practices. Be wary of promises of guaranteed returns or investment opportunities that sound too good to be true.

–Report suspicious activitiesIf you come across any suspicious or fraudulent activities online, report them to the relevant authorities, such as the police or the Cyber Crime Cell, and take necessary steps to protect yourself and your finances.

In conclusion, the rising trend of online scams in India is a serious concern. It is crucial for all internet users to be vigilant, cautious, and informed about the risks associated with online transactions and communications. By following simple yet effective measures, we can safeguard ourselves and contribute to creating a safer online environment for everyone.