Beware of Telegram Job Scams: How to Identify and Protect Yourself

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by

Himanshu
in ,

In recent times, there has been a surge in fraudulent activities on messaging platforms like Telegram, where scammers lure individuals with promises of easy money through simple tasks. These scams often begin with an unsolicited invitation to join a group, followed by offers of part-time earnings for tasks such as liking videos, sharing content, or optimizing apps. While the initial tasks may seem harmless and even pay a small amount to build trust, they are designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting individuals.

How the Scam Works

1. Unsolicited Invitations

Scammers typically reach out via messages on Telegram, promising lucrative part-time opportunities. They may claim that you were selected based on your profile or interests, making the offer seem personalized and legitimate.

2. Trial Tasks to Build Trust

Once you join the group, you’re asked to complete simple tasks, such as liking videos or sharing posts. Initially, you might receive small payments (e.g., ₹150–₹300) to build your confidence and trust in the process.

3. Introduction of Prepaid Tasks

After gaining your trust, the scammers introduce “prepaid tasks” that require you to deposit money upfront to unlock higher-paying tasks. They may promise substantial returns upon completion, but these are merely tactics to extract money from you.

4. Fake Testimonials and Pressure Tactics

The group is often filled with fake testimonials and success stories to create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO). Scammers may pressure you to invest more money to access higher levels or bonuses.

5. Requests for Additional Payments

As you continue, you’re asked to make additional payments under various pretexts, such as unlocking higher-paying tasks, paying taxes, or covering transaction fees. These payments are never returned, and the promised earnings never materialize.

Real-Life Examples

  • Hyderabad Bank Employee Scam: A 25-year-old bank employee from SR Nagar, Hyderabad, lost ₹19.7 lakh to a Telegram-based investment scam. After being added to a channel named ‘KL-C’, she was promised high returns for completing simple tasks. Initially, she was transferred ₹150, but later, she was convinced to make 22 deposits to various bank and UPI accounts. The largest deposit was ₹3.68 lakh. When she tried to withdraw her supposed profit of ₹27 lakh, she was asked to pay an additional ₹8 lakh in “tax”, which raised her suspicions and led her to report the incident to the police. Authorities registered a case under multiple sections of the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to cheating, impersonation, and forgery. The Times of India
  • Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Scam: A chartered accountant from Ahmedabad was defrauded of ₹23.77 lakh in a sophisticated online task scam conducted through Telegram. He received a fraudulent message offering daily earnings of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for simple tasks like clicking links and sharing product screenshots. He joined a Telegram group and was lured into investing money under a scheme called “Plan A” with an initial payment of ₹71,058. Early small returns credited to his account encouraged further investments. Over 11 days, he transferred ₹23.77 lakh, but the payouts ceased despite completing all tasks. Upon realizing the scam, he reported it to the national cyberfraud helpline and the Cybercrime police. Authorities have filed a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, impersonation, and cheating. The Times of India

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • Unsolicited Job Offers: Receiving unexpected messages offering job opportunities on Telegram or other messaging platforms.
  • Upfront Payments: Being asked to pay money upfront to access tasks or unlock higher-paying opportunities.
  • Fake Testimonials: Presence of fake success stories and testimonials within the group to build trust and create urgency.
  • Pressure Tactics: Scammers pressuring you to invest more money to unlock higher levels or bonuses.
  • Withdrawal Issues: Encountering difficulties or additional fees when attempting to withdraw your earnings.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Verify the Source: Always verify the legitimacy of the job offer through official channels before engaging.
  • Avoid Upfront Payments: Never pay money upfront to access tasks or job opportunities.
  • Research the Platform: Conduct thorough research on the platform or company offering the job to ensure its authenticity.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the relevant authorities immediately.
  • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and learn how to recognize and avoid them.

Conclusion

While the allure of easy money through online tasks can be tempting, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited job offers on platforms like Telegram. Scammers employ sophisticated tactics to exploit individuals seeking legitimate work opportunities. By recognizing the signs of a scam and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always conduct thorough research and consult with professionals before engaging in any online job opportunities.