Pune: A 26-year-old software engineer from Pune has fallen victim to an online task fraud, losing ₹3.5 lakh after responding to a purported part-time job offer circulated through a messaging application. Police said the case is part of a growing pattern of cyber frauds in which criminals first gain victims’ trust through small payouts before extracting large sums of money.
According to investigators, the woman received a message in August 2025 offering flexible online work that involved rating restaurants and other business listings on the internet. The offer did not require any formal interview, documentation, or verification process, making it appear simple and attractive. After she agreed, the fraudsters obtained her bank details and added her to a messaging-app group where similar “tasks” were routinely shared.
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Police said the initial phase of the scam involved extremely basic rating tasks. Upon completion, the accused transferred ₹150 to the woman’s bank account almost immediately. This small but prompt payment was intended to build credibility and reinforce the impression that the job was legitimate. Encouraged by the payout, the woman continued participating in the tasks and was led to believe that regular work could generate steady income.
The nature of the scheme changed soon after. Investigators said the woman was persuaded to take up what were described as “prepaid tasks,” in which higher returns were promised on the condition that she first transferred money to bank accounts specified by the perpetrators. Trusting the assurances, she transferred money in multiple instalments between August 1 and August 4.
In total, the woman transferred ₹3.5 lakh. She was subsequently informed that the amount had been “blocked” within a trading application and that additional funds would be required to unlock it. When she refused to make further payments and was unable to recover the money already transferred, she realised she had been defrauded.
Following this, the victim filed an online complaint, based on which a case was registered at the Hinjewadi Police. Police said an investigation is underway to identify the individuals involved and trace the bank accounts, digital wallets, and communication channels used in the fraud. Officers noted that such scams often involve accounts spread across multiple states, including mule accounts, which complicates and prolongs the investigation process.
Cybercrime experts say online task fraud has been rising sharply across the country. Specialists associated with the Future Crime Research Foundation noted that offenders typically rely on psychological manipulation rather than technical sophistication. “The pattern is consistent—initial small payments are used to build trust, followed by prepaid or investment-style tasks that require victims to transfer large sums,” experts said. The organisation added that even educated professionals and individuals with technical backgrounds are increasingly falling prey to such schemes.
According to experts, the appeal of quick income and the apparent legitimacy created by messaging groups and payment screenshots often override caution. Fraudsters also exploit the lack of awareness about how genuine online jobs operate, particularly among young professionals seeking supplementary income.
Police have urged citizens to exercise caution while responding to online job offers or task-based schemes. Officers stressed that legitimate part-time or online employment does not require applicants to deposit money upfront or share sensitive banking details. Any demand for advance payment should be treated as a red flag, they said.
Authorities have advised the public to verify the authenticity of online offers through official company websites, customer support channels, or trusted platforms before engaging further. In case of suspicion, individuals have been asked to contact the local police station or the cybercrime helpline without delay.
Experts believe that in an era of rapid digitalisation, awareness remains the most effective safeguard. Unless users learn to identify and reject such fraudulent offers at an early stage, online task frauds are likely to continue evolving and claiming new victims.
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.
