Online job scam: Hyderabad man loses Rs 74,000; police issue advisory
The messenger said he could earn money by completing Google map reviews. And for each review, he would be paid Rs 50
By Newsmeter Network Published on 4 May 2023 2:37 AM GMT
Representational Image
Hyderabad: A 31-year-old accountant from Somajiguda has become the latest victim of an online job scam.
Biswajit Nayak lost Rs 74,000 after he received a message on WhatsApp from an unknown international number offering him a part-time job.
The messenger said he could earn money by completing Google map reviews. And for each review, he would be paid Rs 50.
Nayak accepted the job offer and was added to a Telegram group where other people were sharing that they had completed the task and earned their salary along with other high premium amounts.
After completing his tasks, he was paid Rs 150 as a bonus and Rs 150 as a salary. The scammers then demanded that he take high-premium tasks or his credentials would be suspended. Hence, Nayak ended up transferring Rs 74,000 to the scammers, having initially paid Rs 2,000, and receiving Rs 4,100 as salary after completing Google reviews.
Nayak reported the scam to the police. However, it was too late, and he had lost the entire amount. Panjagutta police have registered a case under section 419, 420 IPC, and Sections 66 (C) and 66 (D) of the IT Act, An investigation has been launched.
Police have warned the public to be cautious while accepting job offers online, especially from international numbers or messages from unknown international numbers, and to do their research before transferring any money. They have also urged people to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
