• By Vikas Yadav
  • Sun, 28 May 2023 02:17 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

LIKE Video and Earn scams are rising exponentially in India. They promise easy returns via a part-time job to WhatsApp users by simply subscribing to a YouTube channel or liking a video on the streaming platform. Plus, in some cases, users are promised instant cash in exchange for fake reviews of hotels and more.

These lucrative offers first circulate on WhatsApp and when the victim expresses interest to join these scams, they are taken to a seemingly genuine Telegram group. Cyber Dost, a cyber security awareness handle managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, taking cognizance of the prevalence of these cyber frauds, shared an explainer video of how these scams uncover.

Also Read: Like Video And Earn Scam: Noida Woman Loses Over Rs 4 Lakh In Hoax Part-Time Job

The process starts with a WhatsApp message where the scammer claims that they will pay the user a defined amount once they subscribe to a YouTube channel and like videos. Then the victim is added to a Telegram group where the scammer would insist that they invest money for prepaid tasks. The majority of these scams take place at this stage once the user transfers money to the scammer's account.

However, if you fall for a scam like this, immediately call 1930 or register your complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Latest case of fraud: Three engineers, one student duped of 36 Lakh

In the latest case, three software engineers and a student of computer programming became victims of the fake online video-liking job, according to a Times of India report. In total, they lost over Rs 36 lakh in this scam. Let's understand each of these scams:

The first case of an IT engineer registered with the Chinchwad police is a scam worth 10.95 lakh. He was given tasks to rate hotels and promised monetary amounts. While he received money initially, the techie transferred money to multiple UPI IDs in exchange for prepaid tasks.

Also Read: 'Like Video And Earn' Scam: Techie Loses Rs 42 Lakh In Effort To Make Extra Income

In the second case, a Hinjewadi woman, a software engineer, was tasked to follow celebrities and promised money in exchange. She was duped by a 30 per cent commission on prepaid tasks that cost her 8.75 lakh.

The third case is of a senior software developer in Warje. She lost Rs 8.72 lakh in this scam. Lastly, a 23-year-old student lost Rs 7.69 lakh in this scam.