Part-Time Job Fraud Scam: From ₹2,000 Profit to ₹3.59 Lakh Loss

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A Varanasi resident reported being defrauded of ₹3.59 lakh by cybercriminals who exploited an online part-time job opportunity.

Incident Overview

The victim, Yash Krishnani, disclosed that fraudsters initially provided small returns to establish trust before demanding larger sums, ultimately seizing his funds through deceptive tactics. The scheme unfolded between August 11 and 13, with multiple transactions conducted via UPI.

How the Scam Unfolded

The fraudulent activity began when Krishnani received a part-time job proposal through a messaging group. He was directed to a Telegram channel and contacted by an individual claiming to be a finance manager. This person outlined the job responsibilities and promised financial returns.

Timeline of Transactions

On August 11, Krishnani transferred ₹2,000 via UPI as per the fraudster’s request. The amount was refunded along with a profit, reinforcing his confidence. The following day, he was asked to invest ₹5,000, which was also returned with a gain. Subsequent demands escalated, with Krishnani transferring ₹32,800 and ₹20,000 on August 12.

Aftermath and Legal Action

Fraudsters then claimed an error in transactions, asserting that his account was frozen and requiring additional payments to unlock funds. Over the course of August 12, Krishnani executed multiple transfers totaling ₹2.20 lakh. On August 13, he was pressured to make another payment to recover his money. Krishnani attempted to comply, transferring ₹19,542 via UPI, but the fraudsters allegedly blocked his number and removed him from the Telegram group after he could not meet further demands.

The victim disclosed that he incurred losses across 11 transactions, amounting to ₹3.59 lakh. He has since filed a complaint with cybercrime authorities to seek recovery of the stolen funds.

Preventive Measures and Awareness

The case highlights the tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit trust through initial small returns, followed by coercive demands for larger sums under false pretenses. The incident underscores the risks associated with unsolicited job offers and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of financial transactions, particularly when involving digital platforms. Authorities are investigating the case to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen assets.