Cybercriminals allegedly duped a Pratapgarh man of ₹18.86 lakh after approaching him on WhatsApp with an offer to earn money by liking online videos. Police said the victim was later drawn into an investment scheme and repeatedly asked to transfer money on different pretexts.
How Did the Fraud Begin?
The victim, a resident of the Nagar Kotwali area in Pratapgarh, received a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number.
The sender offered him an opportunity to earn money by liking videos. The victim initially received some money after completing the tasks, which helped gain his confidence.
After this, the fraudsters allegedly introduced him to an investment plan and promised higher returns.
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How Was the Victim Drawn Into Investing?
After gaining his trust, the cybercriminals sent the victim a link and asked him to join a group.
He was then encouraged to invest money with promises of higher profits. As the process continued, the fraudsters allegedly kept asking him to transfer additional amounts.
The victim made several payments after being persuaded that he would receive greater returns on his investment.
How Much Money Was Transferred?
The victim allegedly transferred a total of ₹18,86,027 through multiple transactions.
According to the complaint, the payments were made at different stages after the fraudsters continued to demand money.
The promised returns were not received, and the victim eventually realised that he had been cheated.
What Happened When He Asked for His Money?
When the victim tried to withdraw his money, the fraudsters allegedly demanded additional payments.
He was repeatedly asked to deposit more money before his funds could be released. Despite making payments, he was unable to recover the amount.
After realising that the demands were continuing without any return, he approached police and reported the matter.
What Action Have Police Taken?
Police registered a case on the basis of the victim’s complaint and began an investigation.
Investigators are examining the WhatsApp communication and the accounts through which the money was transferred. Efforts are also being made to identify the people allegedly involved in the fraud.
Police said cybercrime cases are being investigated and efforts are underway to trace those responsible.
How Can People Avoid Such Task Scams?
Offers promising easy income for simple online activities such as liking videos should be treated cautiously, particularly when they later involve investment demands. Receiving a small payment at the beginning does not prove that an earning scheme is genuine.
People should be especially careful if unknown contacts ask them to join groups, open unfamiliar links, invest money or make repeated payments to unlock withdrawals or promised profits.
The420 Safety Tip: Easy Money Can Become an Expensive Trap
A small initial payment can be used to build trust before much larger amounts are demanded. If an online earning opportunity suddenly requires investments or repeated deposits to release your own money, stop making payments and report the suspected fraud promptly.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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