A 21-year-old college student from Hyderabad has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme, losing Rs 2 lakh after being lured by a WhatsApp message promising a part-time job. The incident highlights the growing menace of online scams targeting young individuals.
According to reports, the student received a message offering an online rating task, which claimed she could earn money by reviewing Google tasks daily. Intrigued by the opportunity, she was directed to join a Telegram group where the scammers outlined the supposed job details. Initially, she was asked to make a small investment, and after receiving some returns, she felt encouraged to invest more.
As trust grew, the scammers convinced her to create a Bitcoin account, assuring her it would enhance her earnings. They then pressured her to invest Rs 1.90 lakh, promising her investment would double. When she expressed reluctance, the fraudsters claimed that she could only retrieve her earlier investments after making the additional payment.
Despite the victim’s growing suspicions, the scammers continued to engage with her, showcasing fake profits on a deceptive online platform. The student has since reported the incident to the Hyderabad Cybercrime police, seeking help recovering her funds.
In light of this incident, law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. They advise potential investors to verify the credentials of financial advisors through SEBI and to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Individuals are encouraged to report incidents by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in for assistance in cyber fraud cases.
As online scams become increasingly prevalent, this case is a cautionary tale for young people navigating the digital landscape.
