In another case of online scam, a woman from Mumbai’s Gorai area lost Rs 6.37 lakh after clicking on an Instagram reel advertising a part-time job. The advertisement promised quick earnings for simple online tasks. However, as soon as he tried to pursue advertising, he eventually lost money to fraudsters. This incident is one of many cases of part-time job scams where fraudsters dupe individuals by taking advantage of their desire to make a quick buck through simple actions like liking a video or giving a review.

This particular incident allegedly began around 11 a.m. on November 30 when the victim came across an Instagram Reel promoting a harmless part-time job, the Free Press Journal reports. The advertisement claimed that users could earn money simply by liking online videos. Out of curiosity, the victim clicked on the provided link, which redirected her to a Telegram group.

Once the victim joins the group, the scammers walk them through the process, posing as job coordinators. Initially, the victim was asked to complete simple tasks such as liking videos, for which she received small but immediate payments. The victims got lured by the payment and started performing the tasks and also received payment after completion.

Later, encouraged by these initial payments, the scammers urge the victim to invest the money in higher paying jobs while promising significant returns. Convinced by the initial success and assurances from the fraudsters, the woman transferred Rs 6.37 lakh in three transactions.

The situation changed when the promised profits did not materialize. Instead, the fraudsters demanded additional money in the form of “taxes” for releasing his earnings. Realizing that she had been cheated, the woman sought help and reported the incident to Borivali police.

It is being told that the matter is under investigation. Authorities are advising individuals to exercise caution, although such online scams are occurring frequently. Police are urging people to verify the authenticity of online job offers and avoid clicking on suspicious links. These scams are on the rise, targeting individuals on social media platforms with promises of easy money.

Here are some safety tips to follow online and save yourself from falling into the trap of such scams:

– If you see a job offer, always verify the validity of the job offer or advertisement, especially those found on social media. Do thorough research on the company or platform before joining.

– Always avoid clicking on links shared through social media or messaging apps without verifying their authenticity.

– As seen in many cases, scammers often lure victims with promises of high returns for minimal effort. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

– Do not share sensitive details like bank account or UPI credentials on unsecured platforms.