Mangaluru : Two professionals from Mangaluru have collectively lost over ₹10 lakh to online job scams, highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting job seekers.

In the first case, a working woman lost ₹6.5 lakh in a part-time job scam. While browsing for part-time opportunities, she received a WhatsApp message on June 25, claiming to be from an HR assistant of NSE Exchange, offering a remote job with earnings between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000. She was asked to join via a link and continue communication through Telegram, where she received a work ID and a series of tasks.

After completing some tasks, she received small payouts — ₹180 and ₹200 — creating an illusion of legitimacy. On June 26, she was asked to take on a “trade task,” requiring her to deposit ₹800 to an account under the name Pranjal. Between June 26 and 28, she transferred large sums through UPI and bank accounts. When no returns came through, she realized she had been scammed and filed a complaint at Mangaluru Rural Police Station.

In another incident, a medical professional lost ₹4.2 lakh. The victim received a call on June 6 from a woman named Sangeetha, who falsely claimed to be from NMC Hospital, Dubai. Following an email and further instructions from another individual, Vinay Singh, the victim paid various amounts under the pretext of registration, verification, DHA licence, and NOC. When asked for an additional ₹2.6 lakh, the victim became suspicious and consulted friends, who confirmed the job offer was fake. A police complaint was filed at Kankanady Town Police Station.