Introduction
A 37-year-old man from Ghaziabad fell victim to a scam that promised quick riches through simple tasks on Telegram. Man Loses Rs 8.5 Lakh in Telegram Scam between August 13 and August 18. This case sheds light on the rising trend of online scams in India.
The Incident
Saurabh Singh, a resident of Balram Nagar in Loni, filed a complaint after losing a large sum of money. His trouble began on August 13, when he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The person behind the message introduced herself as Rani from Mumbai.
Rani mentioned her company, Journeys Travels, and shared a link for Saurabh to click. This link promised him various tasks, such as rating a restaurant or a hotel stay. Rani claimed that he could earn between Rs 800 and Rs 2,500 daily for completing these tasks. Saurabh thought this was a great opportunity.
Getting Involved
After clicking the link, Saurabh was directed to a Telegram group. Here, he could talk to Rani and user support. They persuaded him to believe that he could make a lot of money quickly. On the same day, Saurabh transferred Rs 10,100 from his Kotak Mahindra Bank account using mobile banking. In return, he received just Rs 855 in his account.
The Flood of Tasks
Over the next few days, Saurabh transferred a total of Rs 8,47,222 to different accounts. He made these payments while completing various tasks that he was assigned from August 13 to August 18. The scam seemed to be working, and he was excited about the profits.
The Reality Sets In
However, everything changed when Saurabh tried to withdraw his money. The fraudsters began to ask for more payments for different reasons. They continuously created obstacles, preventing him from taking out his profits. This made Saurabh suspicious, and he started to realize he had been scammed.
Filing a Complaint
Saurabh decided to take action. He filed a complaint with local authorities. Piyush Kumar Singh, the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) for Crime, confirmed the situation. Based on Saurabh’s complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against unknown persons. The FIR falls under Section 318 (4) for cheating and sections of the IT Act relevant to online fraud.
The Rising Trend of Cybercrime
This case is not unique. Cybercrime is on the rise in Punjab. There was a 47% increase in cybercrime cases from 2021 to 2022. The trend shows that more people are falling for online scams, often seeking quick financial wins.
Why Telegram is Becoming a Target
The Cyber Crime Unit of Punjab has noted that Telegram scams are becoming more common. Many users overlook their online safety while hoping to make quick money. This is an alarming issue. For people like Saurabh, it means losing large amounts of their savings.
Local Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
In response to this growing problem, Chandigarh, located near Mohali, is working diligently to raise cybersecurity awareness. The city has become a hub for programs designed to educate residents about the risks of digital fraud. Local authorities are taking steps to inform the public on how to stay safe online.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams
Everyone needs to be careful while using the internet. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Never share personal information with anyone you do not trust.
- Be cautious of messages that promise quick money.
- Verify the legitimacy of any company before making any payments.
- Use secure payment methods that provide you with protection.
- Report any suspicious messages or activities to law enforcement.
Conclusion
Man Loses Rs 8.5 Lakh in Telegram Scam, Saurabh Singh’s experience serves as a warning to many. It highlights the need for everyone to be vigilant online. Online scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age or background. By educating ourselves, we can help prevent more people from becoming victims of such deceitful schemes. Stay aware and stay safe!
