Work-from-Home Scam Cons Victim of ₹5.69 Lakh in Instagram ‘Like and Earn’ Fraud in Chandigarh

A 27-year-old lady from Chandigarh became victim to a cyber scam that promised quick money through basic online assignments. The deception began on March 25 when she got a WhatsApp message from a woman introducing herself as Sneha Verma. Verma, claiming she was representing a company offering work-from-home opportunities, said the woman might earn ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 everyday only by liking Instagram videos.

Interested with the proposition, the victim consented and was assigned several tasks. She even received false earnings in her account, which led her to believe the scheme. She was then told she could increase her earnings by investing in the plan. After seeing fake gains on a fraudulent app, she transferred ₹1.5 lakh to many bank accounts.

The crooks gradually attracted her to deposit additional money, eventually defrauding her out of ₹5.69 lakh. When she attempted to withdraw her alleged earnings, they imposed a new rule: she needed to reach 100 points first. To accomplish this, they requested an additional ₹5 lakh. That's when she realized it was a scam. She reported the event to her family as well as the Chandigarh Cybercrime Police Station.  The case is currently under investigation.

 How to Avoid Online Job Scams:

• Be wary of messages promising large profits for little activities.  
• Do not provide your bank information, OTPs, or passwords with unfamiliar contacts.  
• Confirm any employment offer by researching the company online.  
• Instead of replying to odd WhatsApp or Telegram messages, visit trusted employment marketplaces or firm websites.

Scammers like this play on people's desire for quick cash. Staying alert and scrutinizing every offer will assist to avoid such financial losses.