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In 2023, dodging online scams is becoming more important than ever.
A duo in Bengaluru lost a whopping 95 lakhs in an online task scam that promised them an opportunity to earn extra side income. Here’s how the scam works.
In 2023, the frequency of online scams has certainly increased. Not only are we witnessing scammers employ novel methods to deceive victims, but recently, they have been offering small sums of money to unsuspecting victims in a new type of scam dubbed the ‘task scam.’ This is similar to the job scams that mostly affect people on Telegram and WhatsApp.
The latest victims of this scam are two techies from Bengaluru, who reportedly lost almost 95 lakhs, according to a report by The Times of India. The report states that the duo were involved in online tasks that promised them an opportunity to earn extra side income.
Task Scam/Job Scam: How They Work
In this popular scam, fraudsters posing as representatives of some of the top companies approach unsuspecting victims with offers that are usually too good to be true. This could involve offering unrealistic returns on investments or asking them to complete simple tasks such as liking and watching YouTube videos, filling out forms, and sometimes writing reviews on Google and other platforms.
They typically initiate contact with users through WhatsApp or Telegram, attempting to persuade users to join their company by offering them work from home.
After completing a task or two, the scammers end up paying the “employee” but only to earn trust. Once the victims are invested and have done a substantial amount of work, they are told that they can increase their payouts if they invest more or make a deposit.
Now, after investing a significant amount and requesting the promised “big” return on their investment or payout, victims are told they need to invest even more. This is how the loop continues. Victims often realize they have been duped too late, as the scammers usually disappear by that point.
How to Stay Safe
Firstly, always remember that no one in their right mind would pay you to like videos or do simple tasks for substantial money. It’s not realistic. If something feels too good to be true, it usually is.
Moreover, if these scammers approach you, regardless of the platform, always block them and report them to the authorities. Also, never share your personal identification, such as Aadhar numbers, with them, as they may use your ID for further scams.
Additionally, refrain from clicking on links, downloading random apps, and always verify with the official company a person claims to represent if such a job role is available.
And, of course, alert your friends and family about the scam whenever you get the chance to spread awareness.
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