Unemployed youth losing money in online task-based jobs, investment scams: Police

Panaji: In a disturbing trend, police said that cyber fraudsters target Goa’s unemployed youth by offering them online task-based jobs (such as writing reviews), and then, when they’re paid for it, they lose the same money to the fraudsters after they gain their trust.

Cyber crime SP Rahul Gupta said that the cyber criminals target unemployed youth and pay them upon completion of their tasks. Gupta said that initially, the criminals pay up to Rs 20,000 for completion of the task.

“Once the cyber fraudsters gain the trust of the youth, they lure them to invest in IPOs related to their companies and promise huge returns. The online job scam then turns into an investment scam. Once the victim invests and decides to withdraw, they direct victims to pay different types of fees, resulting in cheating,” said Gupta.

On Sunday, Porvorim police station said that a 29-year-old resident of Mumbai cheated a youth of around Rs 10 lakh under the pretext of task-based jobs. The Porvorim resident, in his complaint, said that an unknown accused person offered a part-time job, inviting him to give Google ratings with a promise of Rs 40 per rating. He was directed to install the Telegram app and complete the initial task, and was further induced to pay an amount of Rs 9.5 lakh, which the complainant paid via Gpay and ATM transfer in various transactions.

“During the investigation, Porvorim police analysed many bank accounts and phone numbers, and it was revealed that many persons are involved in the crime. Based on technical surveillance, one accused person was identified to be in Mumbai, and hence a team from Porvorim police station nabbed the accused,” said Gupta. Further investigation is in progress under PI Rahul Parab.

TOI reported that an investigation into cybercrimes has revealed that fraudsters target youth to ostensibly hire their bank accounts and SIM cards, using gaming apps as an inducement, and then deploying the personal information for criminal activities.

Cyber fraudsters approach youth through social media and other platforms and persuade them to rent out their bank accounts and SIM cards to earn additional pocket money.