New way of online scam! Fraudsters are duping people on WhatsApp and Telegram, and know how to avoid it

Online Job Scam: Nowadays, a new online scam is spreading rapidly which is especially targeting unemployed youth, housewives and students.

Online Job Scam: Nowadays a new online scam is spreading rapidly which is especially targeting unemployed youth, housewives and students. Through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, scammers are trapping people by luring them to earn easy money. It starts with a simple message which says that you have to give a 5-star rating to a product, like a YouTube video or do some small translation work and you will get money in return.

From small work to a loan of lakhs

25-year-old Sorathia, who works in a private bank in Gujarat, was also a part of such a Telegram group. She got some money for doing the initial task. But later she was asked to invest more money for "high level work". Gradually, she got into a debt of Rs 28 lakh and finally committed suicide. In her suicide note, she wrote that she was unable to get out of this trap.

Tricks and identification of scams

These scams have fake websites, fake interviews, and fake dashboards that show how much you have earned. But all this is a part of a fraud. As soon as you invest money in it, the scam gets deeper.

Be cautious of these signs

There is no formal contract or mail for the job

The conversation takes place on WhatsApp or Telegram, not using a professional platform

Only after investing money is the promise of getting a "big job"

The fake dashboard shows how much you have earned

You are asked to add more people through referral scheme and pyramid networking

Many times personal information and bank details are also asked, which poses a risk of identity theft.

Protect yourself like this

Check any job offer from the official website or source.

Do not share your bank account details, OTP or password with anyone.

Immediately report any such scam on cybercrime.gov.in.