Bengaluru: In a distressing incident, Amit, a professor at an engineering college located on Sarjapura Road, fell prey to online fraudsters promising a lucrative part-time job opportunity. Amit received an enticing advertisement on his WhatsApp, claiming that he could earn Rs 5,000 to 7,000 per day by promoting content on YouTube channels from the comfort of his home.
Captivated by the offer, Amit contacted the fraudsters, who assured him of substantial returns through a prepaid scheme. The scammers instructed Amit to join their Telegram group, providing him with a link for the same. Eager to seize the opportunity, Amit agreed to the conditions and promptly sent an advance payment of Rs 1,000. To his initial delight, he received Rs 1,500 in return.
Encouraged by this initial success, Amit invested a significant sum of Rs 5.22 lakh, hoping for returns exceeding Rs 10 lakh. However, as soon as Amit transferred the substantial amount, he was abruptly removed from the Telegram group. Despite his attempts, he was unable to reestablish contact with the fraudsters.
Realizing he had been deceived, a disheartened Amit promptly filed a complaint with the city’s cyber crime police, detailing the fraudulent scheme and his financial loss.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution and verifying the authenticity of online opportunities. Law enforcement agencies continue to caution the public about the prevalence of online scams and urge individuals to remain vigilant, especially when dealing with unfamiliar or unsolicited offers online.
