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A software expert suffered a loss exceeding Rs 10 lakh while attempting to secure a part-time job through an Instagram advertisement. Subsequently, she was directed to download Telegram and establish contact with an individual.
Receiving a supplementary income through part-time employment is a pursuit that garners the attention of numerous individuals. After all, the appeal of acquiring additional funds is nearly universal. Unfortunately, this inclination has been manipulated by unscrupulous individuals in recent times. Fraudsters have taken advantage of this proclivity by deceitfully proposing part-time job opportunities, ultimately depriving unsuspecting individuals of their legitimately earned finances. Frequently, in an attempt to establish credibility, these scam artists initiate monetary transactions into the victims’ accounts, using these as a foundation to allure them with promises of substantial gains.
The scenario unfolded with a software professional from Manguluru, who engaged with an Instagram advertisement in pursuit of a part-time employment opportunity. Subsequently, the precise sequence of events transpired, along with measures to ensure your security against comparable occurrences.
A woman falls victim to a financial scam after interacting with an Instagram advertisement, as reported by The Hindu. The individual filed a complaint with Kankanady police, recounting her experience. The advertisement on Instagram falsely promised lucrative earnings with the statement “Opportunity to Earn.” Intrigued by the offer, the woman messaged the provided WhatsApp number, 9899183689, expressing her interest. Subsequently, she was directed to connect with @khannika9912 on Telegram.
Upon joining the app, she engaged in conversation with the aforementioned individual. This person guaranteed a 30% return on her investment. Convinced by the assurances, the woman transferred Rs 7,000 to a UPI ID via Google Pay. As promised, she received Rs 9,100 in her account shortly thereafter. This initial success led her to develop trust in the scammer’s scheme, eventually prompting her to consider investing a larger amount. The lady proceeded to send Rs 20,000 to the identical UPI ID. Nonetheless, she was informed that the account had been blocked, resulting in no funds being received. Subsequently, an extra amount of Rs 10,50,525 was transferred by the lady. It was only after this sequence of events that she recognized being a victim of deception and subsequently sought assistance from the police.
How to stay safe from such scams ?
To safeguard oneself from such fraudulent activities, several precautions should be taken into account. Initially, it is advisable to exclusively seek part-time employment opportunities through legitimate platforms dedicated to this purpose, such as LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and Indeed. However, if one is compelled to explore alternative job application methods, conducting a comprehensive investigation into the credibility of the job provider is crucial. Requesting essential details like the provider’s identity and company affiliation is recommended. Utilizing online search engines can also be instrumental in verifying the authenticity of the offering company.
Additionally, exercising utmost caution when divulging personal information such as name and phone number is imperative. Such information should only be furnished on reputable and trustworthy websites.
Lastly, it is imperative to refrain from transferring funds to unfamiliar bank accounts and refraining from disclosing banking credentials to any individual. Trustworthy enterprises never solicit money in exchange for employment opportunities.
