Pune man loses Rs 11.5 lakh in task scam: Here’s what happened
It all started when the man received a message on his mobile messenger app.
The message claimed that he could earn Rs 150 just by doing small online tasks.
After completeling the tasks, the promised money was immediately transferred to his bank account.
If you’ve ever received a message promising quick money for completing simple tasks online, you’re not alone. These scams are becoming more common, and one such incident from Pune shows just how dangerous they can be. A man from Shukrawar Peth, who deals in pre-owned vehicles, lost a huge sum of Rs 11.5 lakh after falling for one of these online task scams.
It all started when the man received a message on his mobile messenger app. The message claimed that he could earn Rs 150 just by doing small online tasks, reports TOI. The man decided to try it out and to his surprise, the promised money was immediately transferred to his bank account. Gaining confidence, he continued doing more tasks that were sent to him after being added to a group on the mobile messenger app. Each time, he received the money instantly.
Also read: Man loses Rs 54,000 trying to fix messaging app glitch online, here’s how
However, the fraudsters soon took things to the next level. They offered him a chance to earn even more money by completing so-called merchant tasks. But this time, instead of getting paid first, he was asked to deposit money into. Believing he would earn a large profit, the victim agreed. He began transferring money to multiple accounts.
When he tried to withdraw his earnings, the scammers demanded more money by citing different reasons. Within just two days, the victim ended up sending Rs 11.5 lakh.
Also read: Bengaluru man loses Rs 1.7cr after being added to unknown WhatsApp group: Here’s what happened
How to avoid falling for such scams
- Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Quick money promises are often red flags.
- Do not share personal or bank details with unknown contacts on messaging apps.
- Avoid joining unknown groups on apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Never transfer money to unknown accounts with the hope of getting more in return.
- If unsure, talk to a trusted friend or report it to cyber police before taking any action.
- Staying alert and asking questions can help you avoid falling victim to such online frauds.
Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile