In total, Verma claimed she was cheated out of Rs 11.45 lakh. (Representative Image)
Verma was told she would be given tasks including subscribing to YouTube channels.
A resident of Sector 85 was reportedly duped out of more than Rs 11 lakh under the pretense of earning money by working from home, police said on Saturday.
Puja Verma, a resident of Agra, claimed in her complaint to the police that she received a message on WhatsApp in which the sender offered her an opportunity to earn money through a part-time job from home, news agency MOT reported.
Verma was told she would be given tasks including subscribing to YouTube channels.
She was also told to join a Telegram channel via a link. After joining the Telegram channel, Verma was given tasks such as subscribing to YouTube channels. She was also asked to invest Rs 5,000 which she deposited into a bank account.
After receiving a return of Rs 6,440 on her investment, Verma thought it was not a scam. Then a caller identifying herself as Kangana asked her to invest Rs 10,000 and was told that she would be allowed to withdraw the profit if she invested Rs 1,00,000.
In total, Verma claimed she was cheated out of Rs 11.45 lakh.
Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered on Friday under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 419 (impersonation fraud) and 420 (deception) of the Indian Penal Code at the Cyber Crime Department of Manesar Police Station .
How to stay careful to avoid fraud?
It is important to be careful when receiving messages or offers on WhatsApp or any other messaging tool that promise a high return on investment. These can be potential scams, especially if they ask for your personal information or require you to make a payment up front.
There have been numerous cases of fraudsters using WhatsApp to trick people into investing in bogus schemes promising high returns. These scams often use persuasive language, fake testimonials, and even offer referral bonuses to lure unsuspecting victims into investing their money.
What must we do?
To avoid falling victim to such scams, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities coming your way. Always check the authenticity of the source before investing your money and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
In addition, you can protect yourself by not sharing your personal information, bank account information, or other sensitive information with anyone claiming to offer you a high return on investment. If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report it to the authorities immediately.
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