A 52-year-old woman entrepreneur fell victim to cyber crooks and lost a staggering Rs 2.7 crore in the latest online scam. It is a common scam that has been going on for a while and publications have been reporting about it to make people aware, but such scams are still on the rise. So, what happened? Read on to find out.
How the Scam Unfolded
Between April 6 and April 22, the victim clicked on a link received on her mobile phone. This led her to join an Instagram group promising easy money. Initially, the group offered monetary rewards for liking YouTube channels. However, the scheme quickly escalated to investment opportunities, promising to double her returns in a short period. Behind these enticing offers, scammers plotted to exploit her trust and drain her finances.
Swift Action by Cybercrime Police
Once the victim realized the deception, she promptly reported the incident to the cybercrime police. Law enforcement quickly identified and apprehended the culprits. The scammers, operating through platforms like Instagram and Telegram, had tricked many others as well. Swift police action led to the freezing of their bank accounts, paving the way for restitution.
Efforts to Recover the Stolen Funds
DCP (East) Kuldeep Kumar Jain revealed that, with court approval, Rs 1.7 crore of the stolen funds will be returned to the victim. An additional Rs 30 lakh is also set to be returned, showing the authorities’ dedication to seeking justice.
Also read | Cyber Fraud Becomes a ‘Headache’, I4C Releases Shocking Data
Tips to Protect Yourself from Online Scams
The unfortunate plight of this woman entrepreneur highlights the dangers of the digital world. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself from similar scams:
- Stay Skeptical: Treat offers of easy money with caution. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Verify Opportunities: Conduct thorough research before investing your money or engaging in online money-making schemes.
- Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links from unknown sources. Scammers often use these to lure victims.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, report it to the authorities immediately. Quick action can prevent further losses.