Hyderabad |Cybercriminals in India are increasingly using fake online job offers and investment schemes to target unsuspecting individuals. In the latest case, a software engineer in Hyderabad was cheated out of ₹3.30 lakh after being lured through a fraudulent part-time job offer. The scammers initially built trust by making small payments and later enticed the victim with cryptocurrency trading and task-based online earning promises.
According to police, the victim is a resident of Mallapur area under Narayanaguda jurisdiction. He received a WhatsApp message from individuals claiming to represent a Bengaluru-based company. The message stated that simple online tasks would earn ₹50 per click. Attracted by the offer, the victim initially continued communication with the group.
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To gain confidence, the fraudsters first assigned minor tasks and transferred ₹8,500 to the victim’s account as payment. After receiving the initial amount, the victim believed the opportunity was legitimate and continued interacting with them. Later, he was added to WhatsApp and Telegram groups where fake investment return screenshots were repeatedly shared in the name of other members.
In these groups, the scammers claimed that huge profits could be earned through Bitcoin trading. Authorities allege that several accounts in the group were fake and were used to create an illusion of successful investments. Believing these claims, the software engineer invested a total of ₹3.30 lakh in multiple instalments.
The victim was instructed to use a specific mobile application where his investment reportedly showed growth to ₹6.40 lakh. Seeing the displayed profit on the screen further convinced him that the scheme was genuine. However, the real trouble began when he attempted to withdraw the money.
As soon as the withdrawal request was made, the fraudsters blocked his account and demanded additional payments, claiming that processing fees and taxes had to be paid before releasing the funds. When the victim became suspicious and refused to make further payments, all communication channels were suddenly closed.
Feeling cheated, the victim approached the cybercrime police and lodged a complaint. He also requested that his bank account and UPI ID be secured and that the suspicious transactions be investigated. Police have begun probing the case and are trying to trace the fraud network behind the scam.
Authorities have advised citizens not to trust messages offering online task-based earnings, like-based rewards, or unsolicited investment opportunities sent by unknown individuals. People are urged to avoid clicking suspicious links shared by strangers and should refrain from downloading unauthorized applications.
Cybersecurity experts say such scams are growing rapidly because many individuals fall for the temptation of easy and quick money. Fraudsters often use social media platforms, fake investment apps, and group chats to create an illusion of legitimacy.
If anyone suspects cyber fraud, they should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and report the incident without delay. Police have stressed that awareness and caution are the most effective ways to prevent online financial fraud. Citizens are advised to verify investment and online job opportunities thoroughly before taking any financial decision.
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.
