Goa man loses Rs 7 lakh in task-based scam: Here’s what happened

In a shocking case, a man from Bicholim, Goa, lost Rs 7 lakh in just six days after falling victim to a task-based scam. The scam, which operated through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, used a mix of trust-building tactics, simple tasks, and escalating demands for money to deceive the victim. Unfortunately, scams like these are becoming increasingly common, targeting people with promises of quick and easy returns.

It all started when the victim was added to a WhatsApp group. Initially, the tasks seemed harmless: follow a few channels and share screenshots with a person named Chaya. For completing these tasks, the victim received small payments of Rs 150 via UPI, which created a sense of trust and legitimacy. However, things quickly escalated when the victim was moved to a Telegram group, where more “lucrative opportunities” were promised, reports TOI.

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Soon, the victim was introduced to a “bounty task” that required an upfront deposit to unlock higher rewards. The victim, lured by the promise of big returns, deposited Rs 2,000. As the scam progressed, the victim’s virtual account on a fake trading platform showed a balance of Rs 3,000, which made the scheme seem more real. A small withdrawal of Rs 2,800 further encouraged the victim to continue.

However, the demands soon grew. The victim was asked to deposit Rs 5,000 for more welfare tasks, and later, even larger sums. The pressure intensified as the victim was warned that failing to complete tasks would result in losing the money already deposited.

The scam continued to escalate, with the victim eventually being pressured into paying Rs 68,000 to fix a “data issue.” The virtual balance now reflected Rs 6 lakh, but more obstacles appeared. A merchant protection freeze and a tax of Rs 2.3 lakh were demanded before the victim could withdraw the funds. It was only then that the victim realised they had been trapped in a well-organised scam.

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How to avoid such scams

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages: If you’re added to random groups or contacted by strangers offering easy money, be sceptical.
• Don’t trust unknown platforms: Avoid engaging with unknown websites or trading platforms that ask for upfront deposits.
• Question unrealistic promises: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. High returns with little effort are red flags.
• Never share personal details: Be careful about sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities immediately.