Hyderabad: Student lured by WhatsApp message promising part-time job, loses Rs 1.18 L

Hyderabad: In yet another job fraud, a 22-year-old student from Hyderabad became a victim after engaging with a WhatsApp message that promised lucrative part-time employment.

As per the case details, the student received a WhatsApp message from a mobile number (7099320745) that said: “Hello, Flipchart sellers sincerely invite you to try remote part-time work. We really hope you will join us. The job involves scoring products, which is very simple, and the work is legal and compliant. By completing the work every day, you can earn at least Rs 60,000 a month. Your job is to rate products on Flipchart and help merchants increase product visibility and sales.”

The scammers also provided a link with the message to avail of the job offer. (https://flipkartworkbench.com)

When the victim clicked on the link and registered all their details, including bank information and IFSC code, they were instructed to pay an amount, claiming that it would be multiplied six times.

Believing that the process was legitimate, the victim transferred Rs 1,18,787 into the scammers’ account. However, after losing money and getting no response from them, they realised that it was a fraud message and filed a complaint for help.

Similar incident

It may be recalled that five days ago, a similar incident happened in Hyderabad when the LB Nagar special operations team and the Pocharam IT Corridor police arrested three persons for defrauding job seekers of over Rs 5 crores by promising them jobs in the government and the IT sector.

The main accused used to work as a subcontractor for contracting agencies and appointed unemployed people to complete the work. He would lure them with fake appointment orders and make them do data updating work, promising them regular work later.

Public advisory

1. Be cautious of part-time jobs, investment frauds, and work-from-home and online job fake offers.

2. Always verify before sharing your financial or personal details.

3. Scammers approach victims through various online social media platforms i.e. Telegram, WhatsApp, X, Instagram and Face book by advertising fake investment apps/websites.

4. Such schemes are fraudulent and do not have SEBI’s endorsement.

5. Fraudsters are using simple tactics to lure gullible investors with promises of high returns and fake profit screenshots. Once they get the details, they will credit a small amount in the victim’s account to gain the victim’s confidence.

6. Never believe the promises of huge returns.

Helpline: Victims of cybercrime fraud should immediately dial 1930 or by visiting cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any emergency of cyber frauds, please call or WhatsApp on 8712665171.