Trader loses over Rs 2 lakh in part-time job scam involving watermelon purchases

Many people look for part-time jobs to earn extra income, but not all offers are genuine. A trader from Abids, Hyderabad, recently lost over Rs 2 lakh after falling for a job scam that involved buying watermelons. The fraudsters promised huge profits, but it turned out to be a trap. Keep reading to know how the scam unfolded.

It all started when the 41-year-old trader received a WhatsApp message, offering a part-time job. The offer sounded simple—buy products through an app and earn high commissions. The scammers claimed that investments in fruits, ice creams, and milkshakes could bring daily earnings of Rs 5,100 over 58 days, with returns as high as 1,000 percent.

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At first, the trader bought watermelons worth Rs 97,000, expecting to earn Rs 2.98 lakh by the end of the investment period, reports TOI. The app initially showed profits as promised, encouraging him to invest more. However, when he tried to withdraw his earnings, he realised he had been tricked. He was unable to withdraw his returns.

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How to avoid falling for such scams

• Verify job offers: Be cautious of job offers that promise unrealistically high profits with little effort.
• Avoid unknown apps: Do not download or invest through apps that are not verified by official sources.
• Check company details: Research the company behind the job offer and look for reviews online.
• Beware of upfront payments: If a job asks you to pay first to earn later, it is likely a scam.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect fraud, report it as soon as possible to the authorities and the cyber crime helpline.

Also read: Techie loses over Rs 33 lakh in share trading scam: How to avoid falling for such frauds