In yet another alarming incident of a 'work from home' (WFH) scam that unfolded through a WhatsApp call, a resident of Gurgaon fell victim to cybercriminals, losing over Rs 50 lakh. The victim, enticed by the promise of lucrative returns, accepted a remote job offer. The increasing prevalence of WFH scams across the country has resulted in numerous individuals losing crores of rupees. This article delves into the details of the scam, shedding light on how the Gurgaon man became a victim of this deceit, leading to a staggering loss of Rs 70 lakhs.
According to the police complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp call from a woman named Akansha on February 27. She offered him an online job opportunity and introduced him to another woman, Raveena Kaur, who claimed to be affiliated with a private travel company. Under the guise of investment for promising returns, the victim was duped into investing money by the scammers.
Initially, the victim received Rs 1,200 upon registration for the job through a portal. As he completed various assigned tasks, he earned Rs 10,000. Over the following months, the fraudsters gained his trust and persuaded him to invest a significant sum for higher returns. Unfortunately, when he attempted to withdraw the money, he discovered that he was not allowed to do so.
After reporting the incident to the police, an FIR was registered against the unidentified culprits under sections 419 (cheating by personation) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code at the Cyber (east) police station. Police officials have initiated a thorough investigation and formed dedicated teams to apprehend the accused promptly.
To combat scam calls and fraudulent activities, WhatsApp recently implemented stricter measures, banning approximately 36 lakh mobile connections. The platform has strengthened its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems to significantly reduce fake call incidents. WhatsApp aims to create a safer experience for users by curbing scam-related issues effectively.
The Haryana Police's cyber wing has taken action against fake and forged documents, blocking 20,545 mobile numbers. Most of the blocked SIM cards were issued in Andhra Pradesh, followed by West Bengal and Delhi. Furthermore, more than 34,000 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud, including those operating in 40 hotspot villages of Nuh district, have been identified and reported through the designated portal.
Data from the Haryana Crime Branch reveals that between January 1 and March 30 of this year, the state recorded 25,659 cyber complaints, with nearly 30% originating from Gurgaon, making it the most affected region. Faridabad ranked second with 14% of the reported cases.
As WFH scams continue to prey on unsuspecting individuals, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
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