Jabalpur: A Jabalpur man has allegedly been duped of ₹37.61 lakh in a cyber fraud after being promised easy online earnings through hotel ratings and digital tasks. The fraudsters allegedly contacted him through Telegram and WhatsApp and introduced him to the ‘Secret Escapes’ app, claiming that he could earn profits by completing hotel-rating and other online tasks. After initially returning small amounts as profits, the accused allegedly increased the value of the tasks and persuaded the victim to transfer large sums through multiple bank accounts and digital payment channels. The victim allegedly deposited a total of ₹37,61,566 but received only ₹61,143 in return. When he demanded his principal amount, the accused allegedly stopped responding.
Vikrant Sahu, a resident of Amkhera, has filed a complaint with Adhartal police. According to the complaint, he received a message on Telegram on January 8 from an account using the name ‘Aditi Riyansh’. The sender allegedly offered him an opportunity to earn money by rating hotels through the ‘Secret Escapes’ app and completing various tasks. The work was presented as an easy way to earn money from home, gradually creating confidence in the platform.
Algoritha Security Launches ‘Make in India’ Cyber Lab for Educational Institutions
Small Tasks Used to Build Trust
According to the complaint, the accused initially transferred ₹1,024 to the victim’s account. On January 9, the victim allegedly recharged ₹10,000 and received ₹17,546 in return. The following day, he was allegedly asked to deposit ₹20,960 under a ‘Family Trip’ offer, following which ₹42,573 was returned to him.
Receiving money back during the initial transactions, along with the promised profits, reportedly strengthened the victim’s belief that the platform was genuine. The fraudsters allegedly used this confidence to introduce larger tasks and promise higher returns. The amount demanded from the victim subsequently increased.
Transfers Made Through Wife’s and Friend’s Accounts
For the larger tasks, the victim was allegedly instructed to deposit money through different bank accounts and digital payment channels. According to the complaint, he transferred ₹50,000 and ₹1.50 lakh through NEFT on January 11. He also allegedly transferred ₹99,000 from his wife’s bank account and ₹84,787 through his friend’s PhonePe account.
On January 13, ₹3,16,310 was allegedly deposited in cash through the SBI Madan Mahal branch. On January 14 and 15, another account was allegedly used to transfer ₹7 lakh through NEFT and ₹10 lakh through RTGS. Several other transactions were subsequently made through ICICI, SBI and PhonePe.
₹37.61 Lakh Deposited, Only ₹61,143 Returned
According to the victim, a total of ₹37,61,566 was deposited into accounts provided by the alleged fraudsters at different stages. In return, he received only ₹61,143. When he subsequently sought the return of his principal amount, the accused allegedly stopped responding.
After repeated attempts to contact them failed and the money was not returned, the victim realised that he had allegedly been trapped in a cyber fraud. He then approached Adhartal police and provided details of the transactions and related banking records.
Small Profits, Bigger Demands
Cybercrime experts say online task and rating scams often begin with small payments designed to establish credibility. Fraudsters may deliberately return a portion of the money or show apparent profits so that victims believe the platform is legitimate. Once trust has been established, the value of the tasks and the amount demanded are gradually increased.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that receiving a small return during the initial stage does not establish the legitimacy of an online earning platform. According to him, fraudsters often use such payments as a psychological tactic to gain trust before attempting to trap victims into transferring larger sums.
He advised people to independently verify the company, application, website and bank accounts associated with any online earning or investment opportunity before making payments. Repeated demands to deposit personal money to complete tasks should be treated as a major warning sign.
Police Trace Banking and Digital Links
Following the complaint, Adhartal police registered a case against unidentified suspects and began an investigation. With the assistance of cybercrime personnel, investigators are examining the bank accounts, mobile numbers and digital payment channels allegedly used to collect the money.
Investigators are tracing the movement of the ₹37.61 lakh to determine which accounts received the funds and where the money was subsequently transferred. Police are also examining the Telegram communication, the alleged ‘Secret Escapes’ application and the digital network connected with the operation.
Investigators are further checking whether the same group used the online task and hotel-rating scheme to target other victims. Banking records, mobile numbers and digital transaction trails are expected to help establish the identity of the suspects and determine the wider scope of the alleged cyber fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
