A 31 year old engineer from Hinjewadi reported a major cyber fraud after losing ₹25,00,000/- in a part time crypto task scheme that began on WhatsApp. The victim received a message on November 5 offering simple work from home tasks and was moved to a group designed to appear legitimate. The group used cyber tactics to promise high returns with up to 30% commission on cryptocurrency related tasks. Trusting the scheme, he transferred ₹16,45,000 across several accounts between November 5 and November 13, as part of what he believed was an investment cycle supported by cyber based verification steps.
When he later tried to withdraw his profits, he was told to make extra payments to unlock the amount which made him suspicious. He filed an online complaint but the cyber criminals had already moved to the next phase. On November 13, the engineer received two links from unknown numbers. Believing they were part of pending transactions he clicked on them. The links carried malware that gave the scammers cyber control of his phone including messages OTPs and banking apps.
Using this cyber access, the criminals carried out new unauthorised transfers. Between November 18 and November 20, they withdrew ₹8,58,000 from two of his bank accounts bringing his total loss to ₹25,00,000. A police official confirmed that the case shows how cyber scams are becoming multilayered with fake investment offers followed by device takeover. The FIR has been registered and cyber teams are tracking the money trail examining the malicious links and checking beneficiary accounts.
Authorities have warned citizens about a rising wave of cyber enabled part time job scams especially those connected to cryptocurrency and payment driven tasks. People are advised to avoid unknown links avoid sending money for verification avoid joining unverified groups and avoid installing remote access apps. Victims should report incidents on the NCRP portal. Investigators are studying the cyber methods used in this case and checking whether the scammers relied on mule accounts or a larger network. Officials stressed the need to verify any job or investment offer received through social media or messaging platforms as cyber fraud groups increasingly target working professionals while urging citizens to stay alert to cyber risks and cyber threats.
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