5 Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to an Online Job Scam Like the Man Who Lost Rs. 18 Lakh
Online scams in India have witnessed a notable surge lately, with individuals falling prey to the cunning tactics of fraudsters and losing their hard-earned money to meticulously orchestrated schemes. Numerous people are enticed by the prospect of effortless earnings through part-time online jobs or completing virtual tasks. Exploiting platforms like WhatsApp, scammers frequently approach victims, presenting enticing opportunities to make money from the comfort of their homes.
In the latest case, a man from Mumbai fell victim to such a scam and lost around ₹18 lakh while trying to earn extra money online.
The story of a Mumbai man
As reported by PTI, a 48-year-old man from Kharghar was lured by scammers who promised quick money. For this he was asked to perform certain tasks. At first, he received some money from these tasks. However, he lost ₹17.9 lakh. He had transferred this money to different bank accounts hoping for more refunds, but unfortunately he never got anything back. The victim revealed that the money was sent to four different bank accounts.
The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police Station took action based on the man’s complaint and registered a case of cheating.
Such scams are everywhere and you need to be careful by following these tips so that you don’t become an easy victim of fraud online.
Tips to protect yourself from online scams
It is very important to protect yourself from such scams. Here are 5 simple guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Stay alert: If you receive unexpected emails or messages that seem strange, be careful. Be skeptical of them.
2. Don’t click on unknown links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. These may lead to unsafe websites or downloads.
3. Protect personal information: Never give out important information to unknown callers, especially if they ask for it over the phone or text messages. This especially applies to money transfers.
4. Verify requests: Always verify requests, especially if they contain sensitive actions or information. If in doubt, contact the organization or individual directly in a trusted manner to confirm the legitimacy of the request.
5. Act fast: If you suspect a scam or phishing attempt, act fast. Delete the message or end the call without sharing information.
Staying safe from such scams requires a careful and thoughtful approach to unexpected offers. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of online fraud.
