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Offers jobs
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Police warn of financial losses
Scammers lure victims through WhatsApp and Telegram, promising quick earnings before manipulating them into losing lakhs.
Cyber fraudsters are exploiting unemployment and financial desperation among youth in Andhra Pradesh by offering fake online task-based jobs.
Youngsters in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Vijayawada, and nearby cities are being lured into Telegram and WhatsApp groups with promises of easy money through simple online tasks such as writing reviews, giving star ratings, or translations, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
While victims initially receive small payments ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 to build trust, they are later manipulated into investing larger sums with promises of high returns—leading to huge financial losses.
Kumar (name changed), a youngster from Visakhapatnam, lost over Rs 13 lakh after being persuaded to “invest” in fraudulent schemes promising higher rewards. Similarly, Raju, a private employee, was offered Rs 500 for small tasks but was later asked to deposit Rs 10,000 for “premium-level work.” While he escaped by blocking the group, two of his friends lost Rs 20,000 each.
Over 20 youngsters have lost more than Rs 68 lakh in Vizag region alone, police confirm
Inspector K Bhanavi Prasad of Vizag Cyber Crime Police said fraudsters often pose as legitimate firms and even create fake IPO or investment opportunities with promises of 150–200% returns. Victims are trapped further when asked to pay additional “fees” to withdraw their so-called earnings, resulting in complete fraud.
The police noted that many victims remain silent due to embarrassment, with only 20–30% of those who lost significant amounts reporting cases.
How to identify online task scams
- Unrealistic promises such as Rs 500 per task or Rs 3,000–5,000 a day.
- Initial payments to build trust, followed by demands for deposits.
- Invitations through WhatsApp/Telegram groups with no official websites or helplines.
- Fraudsters use fake names or impersonate real companies.
- Genuine employers never ask for payments to offer or withdraw jobs.
How to protect yourself
- Verify job offers from multiple reliable sources.
- Never share bank details, OTPs, or personal credentials.
- Don’t trust promises of massive returns on small investments.
- Report cybercrimes immediately by calling 1930.
