In a stark reminder of the growing threat of digital fraud, an Ambala-based woman has fallen victim to an organized cybercrime syndicate, losing ₹12.5 lakh over the course of just three days. The scam, which began on the messaging app Telegram, utilized the classic “Like and Earn” bait to drain the victim’s life savings.
-
The Hook: The victim received a message from an unknown number offering a work-from-home opportunity. The task involved simply liking YouTube videos and submitting screenshots for a payment of ₹50 per task.
-
Building Trust: After completing the first few tasks, the victim received small payments (approx. ₹150–₹500) into her bank account. This “seeding” process is a common tactic used by fraudsters to establish credibility.
-
The “Premium” Trap: The scammers then moved the victim to a “VIP Telegram Group,” where she was told she could earn lakhs by “investing” in crypto-trading tasks. Under the guise of high returns, she was pressured into making multiple transfers totaling ₹12.5 lakh.
-
The Disappearance: When the woman attempted to withdraw her “earnings,” which showed as ₹25 lakh on a fake dashboard, the scammers demanded an additional “30% tax.” Realizing she had been cheated, she approached the Ambala Cyber Cell.
Cyber Police Advisory: Ambala Police have issued a fresh advisory urging citizens to never pay money to get a job. “Legitimate companies do not recruit via Telegram nor do they ask for ‘security deposits’ to unlock tasks,” stated a senior Cyber Cell official.
