A wave of cyber scam deception has swept across the rural stretches of Tiruchy, where in just four years, nearly 5,900 online fraud cases have been logged. Victims have collectively lost a staggering ₹41 crore, with ₹22 crore vanishing through three major digital traps—online trading frauds, fake loan apps, and part-time job scams, according to cybercrime officers in the district.
“The nature of fraud has changed in recent years. Scammers usually make first contact via messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram. Once the victim responds, they give them offers such as work-from-home jobs, personal loans, or stock market investments,” explained a senior cybercrime officer, shedding light on the latest tactics of manipulation.
These cons often begin with irresistible bait: promises of daily income between ₹1,000–₹3,000 for simple tasks like typing or subscribing to content. But once a victim takes the first step and sends a small fee to “unlock” the opportunity, the demands grow. And so does the trap.
Take Kumar (name changed), a 52-year-old government employee from Lalgudi. “They promised work-from-home typing job and asked Rs 2,000 as training fee. After I transferred it, they kept demanding more. When they stopped replying, I realized it was a scam. I have lost around Rs 38 lakh.”
Raji (name changed), a 38-year-old from Musiri, borrowed ₹15,000 via a loan app and ended up paying ₹50,000 after being threatened with the release of edited personal photos. Senthil (name changed), a businessman from Manapparai, was misled by a polished online investment platform—he lost ₹34 lakh before realizing the site was a phantom.
“The loan advertisements promise Rs 5,000 – Rs 50,000 without having to produce any documents. Just pay Rs 999 processing fee. However, after submitting personal data and paying the fee, the loan never arrives. Scammers threaten to release personal and private photos and videos if the victims refuse to send more money,” said an officer.
Even experienced individuals like professors, IT professionals, and students haven’t been spared. Fraudsters, often operating from other states, funnel money through various digital wallets and accounts, leaving recovery efforts almost futile. In fact, only a fraction—less than ₹4 crore—has been traced and recovered.
The scam surge across rural Tiruchy in numbers:
2021: 800 cases | ₹3.5 crore lost
2022: 1,000 cases | ₹10.8 crore lost
2023: 1,400 cases | ₹10.5 crore lost
2024: 2,200 cases | ₹12 crore lost
2025 (Jan–Feb): 500 cases | ₹5 crore lost
Authorities are now ramping up awareness drives and digital literacy workshops in rural belts, encouraging people to stay alert and report any scams. “We advise people to avoid sharing personal information online and to report any suspicious job or investment offers immediately,” warned a senior officer.
A local stock trader echoed the sentiment: “Many people trust everything they see on social media. To earn extra money, they fall for fake web sites instead of simply consulting their nearby bank for safe options.”
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