Man loses Rs 1.5 lakh in rating scam: Here’s what happened

In today’s digital age, we often find ourselves interacting with strangers online, whether it’s for work or entertainment. However, as we engage in these interactions, it’s important to stay cautious, as not everyone online has good intentions. Recently, a man fell victim to an online scam, losing Rs 1,49,999 while participating in a fake rating scheme.

Praveen Kumar, the victim, received a message on Telegram from someone who identified himself as Sadeep Arora. The message promised monetary compensation in exchange for providing a 5-star rating on a specific link.

Also read: Maharashtra man loses Rs 54.9 lakh in online job scam: Here’s how to avoid such frauds

Curious and lured by the offer, Kumar decided to take part. He was then directed to an online task, where he was asked to make an initial payment of Rs 3,099. Believing it was part of the process, he followed the instructions and made the payment. Kumar was then asked to pay Rs 15,999 for three separate tasks. As the scam continued, he transferred more money to different bank accounts, amounting to a total of Rs 1,49,999.

It wasn’t until he was asked to send an additional Rs 2,99,999 that Kumar realised something was wrong. Alarmed by the situation, he filed a complaint at the Kota Police Station.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant when dealing with unknown online offers.

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

How to avoid such scams

• Be sceptical of unsolicited messages: If you receive a message offering money for simple tasks, be cautious. Scammers often use tempting offers to lure victims.
• Verify the source: Before clicking on any links or transferring money, verify the authenticity of the sender. Look for red flags like unfamiliar contact information or suspicious links.
• Don’t pay upfront: Legitimate companies or individuals do not ask for upfront payments for services or tasks.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further damage.