In a distressing incident, a 33-year-old man from Koparkhairane in Navi Mumbai fell victim to a WhatsApp-based fraud, losing a staggering Rs 43.45 lakh to fraudsters. The perpetrators enticed the victim with the promise of substantial returns through online tasks, ultimately leaving him empty-handed.
The victim received a WhatsApp message from unknown individuals offering a lucrative part-time opportunity involving online tasks. Blinded the prospect of substantial earnings, he deposited the colossal sum into various bank accounts as instructed. However, he never received the promised remuneration.
Law enforcement promptly registered a case against the scammers under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to “Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.” No arrests have been made so far, leaving the victim to grapple with the devastating financial loss.
The “online task” fraud is a rising trend that preys on victims initially requiring them to complete simple tasks while making nominal payments to gain their trust. These victims are then tricked into investing significant amounts of money with the promise of substantial returns, only to be left empty-handed.
This incident mirrors a recent case in Mumbai where a 48-year-old resident lost nearly Rs 18 lakh to a similar scheme. The victim was convinced to undertake various online “tasks” and initially received small sums of money as promised. However, he ended up losing Rs 17.9 lakh after transferring funds to multiple accounts.
The Navi Mumbai police’s cybercrime division swiftly registered a case of cheating based on the victim’s complaint. These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and vigilance to protect individuals from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.
In another alarming case, a 66-year-old resident of Navi Mumbai lost Rs 17 lakh while attempting to supplement his income through these dubious online activities.
These distressing cases serve as stark reminders of the evolving tactics employed fraudsters in the digital realm. It is crucial for both authorities and individuals to remain vigilant and informed to thwart the nefarious intentions of those seeking to exploit innocent victims for monetary gain.
Sources:
– Indian Penal Code (Section 420)
– Mumbai Police Cybercrime Division
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