A 57-year-old bookstore owner from Puttur, Mangaluru, fell victim to a Rs 56.7 lakh scam after being lured by a deceptive YouTube video-liking scheme. On October 10, he received a WhatsApp message offering a part-time job that required liking videos on YouTube, with promises of high returns. Initially, he received small payments, which encouraged him to invest further. He was then added to a Telegram group, where scammers requested larger deposits, promising higher commissions.
The victim ultimately transferred a substantial amount, including funds borrowed from friends, to multiple accounts provided by the scammers. Realizing he had been defrauded, he filed a complaint with the Cyber Economic and Narcotic Police in Mangaluru, and an investigation is underway.
Tips to Avoid Similar Scams:
- Be Skeptical of Quick Money Offers: Avoid deals that sound too good to be true.
- Verify the Source: Don’t trust messages from unknown contacts or unverified groups.
- Research and Check for Red Flags: Unrealistic returns or urgent pressure to act are often warning signs.
- Consult Trusted Sources: If in doubt, talk to family or cybersecurity professionals.
- Protect Sensitive Information: Never share bank details or personal information online with unknown contacts.
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