Mangaluru Resident Loses ₹5.09 Lakh in Online Earning Scam

In a troubling incident that highlights the growing menace of online scams, a resident of Mangaluru lost ₹5.09 lakh to fraudulent individuals on September 28. The victim was drawn into the scam after clicking on an online earning link shared on Instagram.

After clicking the link, the complainant engaged in a WhatsApp chat with an unknown individual using the number 9733674701. The scammer promised easy earnings, suggesting that simply liking a video could result in earnings ranging from ₹123 to ₹5,000. Enticed by this offer, the complainant liked the video and received an initial amount of ₹123 in their account, which seemed to validate the scammer’s claims.

Encouraged by this small gain, the scammer then directed the complainant to a Telegram application link and added them to a group named “D929 Global High Salary.” Within this group, the administrators, identified as Anil Singh and Trisha Verma, continued to pressure the victim into depositing money to increase their earnings.

Believing the scammers’ claims, the complainant deposited ₹5,000 to earn more significant returns. Following this, they were instructed to complete various tasks. However, the scammers then claimed that the complainant had made mistakes and demanded additional deposits to rectify the issues.

Over time, the complainant transferred a total of ₹5.09 lakh to different accounts, convinced that the promised earnings were just around the corner. It was only after the continuous demands for more money that the complainant realised they had fallen victim to a well-orchestrated scam.

The Mangaluru South Police have since registered a case and are currently investigating the matter. Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and cautious when engaging with unknown individuals online, particularly in scenarios that promise quick and easy financial gains.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online scams, particularly those that exploit individuals’ desires for easy money. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the need for greater awareness and education on how to identify and avoid such fraudulent schemes. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local authorities to help combat the rising tide of online fraud.