A resident of Chennai has become the latest victim of a work-from-home scam, losing a significant sum of Rs 7 lakh. This incident highlights the increasing prevalence of online scams targeting individuals seeking employment opportunities.
Here’s what happened
As reported by The Hindu, the victim stumbled upon a website advertising online jobs offering high returns for writing fake positive reviews for hotels. Enticed by the prospect of easy money, he contacted the website and followed their instructions.
The website then directed the victim to complete a series of tasks, which often involved transferring small amounts of money supposedly for “registration fees” or “software upgrades.” Over time, these seemingly small transactions escalated, resulting in a total loss of Rs 7 lakh.
Realising he had been duped, the victim approached the authorities and lodged a complaint. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the fraudulent website.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for those seeking work online to exercise caution. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Unrealistic offers: Jobs promising high returns with minimal effort are likely scams.
- Upfront fees: Legitimate employers don’t typically charge for applications or training.
Fake websites : Always verify the legitimacy of a company before applying for a job.
Safety tips for job seekers
- Research companies thoroughly.
- Beware of unsolicited job offers.
- Never share personal or financial information readily.
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.