Man loses Rs 9.4 lakh in scam that started with fake product reviews, here’s what happened

Have you ever received a tempting offer on WhatsApp or Telegram that promised easy money? It’s a common tactic used by fraudsters to lure victims, and unfortunately, Abhishek Jain, a local garment manufacturer, found out the hard way. Jain lost Rs 9.4 lakh after falling for a scam that initially seemed harmless.

It all started when Jain, 29, got a WhatsApp message, claiming he could earn money by rating products online. Intrigued by the offer, he decided to give it a try. He was soon added to a Telegram group where he was instructed to rate products on Amazon. For each rating, Jain earned Rs 50, and once his total earnings reached Rs 300, he received his first payment. This initial payment made Jain trust the scheme.

Also read: Student loses Rs 16 lakh meant for college fees in stock market scam: Here’s what happened

As his earnings grew, Jain was added to more Telegram groups and continued rating products for money. Things took a turn when he was introduced to another group that promoted cryptocurrency trading. The fraudsters encouraged him to invest, promising good returns. Jain was convinced and began investing. Over time, he transferred a total of Rs 9.4 lakh into their account, reports TOI.

The scam escalated when Jain was asked to deposit an additional Rs 5 lakh to claim his supposed profits. At this point, he realised he had been duped. Jain had invested not just his own savings, but also his father’s.

Also read: Lost over Rs 1 cr! Noida family becomes latest victim of digital scam, here’s what happened

How to avoid falling for such scams

• Verify the source: Don’t trust messages or offers from unknown contacts. Always verify the legitimacy of the platform or opportunity.
• Don’t fall for easy money: Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those offering quick money for simple tasks.
• Research before investing: If someone asks you to invest in anything online, make sure to do thorough research. Look for reviews or any red flags.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’re being scammed, report it to the authorities immediately.