Greater Noida Man Loses Rs 51 Lakh in Telegram Scam

A resident of Greater Noida recently became a victim of a cyber scam, losing a staggering Rs 51.63 lakh in just five days. The fraud began with a simple WhatsApp message offering a part-time job and eventually led the victim into a Telegram group where he was manipulated into making large investments.
The Deceptive Offer
According to reports, the victim, a 31-year-old private firm employee from Sector 16B, Greater Noida West, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number on January 18. The sender, introducing herself as Pallavi, lured him with an easy money-making opportunity. She claimed he could earn significant profits by completing simple online tasks.
Intrigued by the offer, the victim agreed to participate. Shortly after, he was added to a Telegram group where he was introduced to cryptocurrency investments. Initially, he was asked to deposit small amounts between Rs 2,000 and Rs 8,000 as part of the tasks. Gradually, the scammers convinced him to invest larger sums, promising higher returns.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraudsters created a fake online portfolio showing a fabricated profit of Rs 60 lakh, increasing the victim’s confidence in the scheme. However, when he attempted to withdraw his supposed earnings, the scammers demanded additional payments under the guise of processing fees and other charges.
Realizing something was amiss, the victim consulted a friend and soon discovered that he had been deceived. In just five days, he had completed 32 transactions, transferring a total of Rs 51.63 lakh to the scammers.
Legal Action Taken
Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint with the cybercrime branch. Authorities have registered a case under Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant sections of the IT Act.
A Growing Trend in Cyber Fraud
Unfortunately, such scams are becoming increasingly common. Fraudsters frequently target individuals by offering fake investment opportunities or easy online tasks such as liking YouTube videos or submitting reviews. To build trust, they often send small initial payouts before persuading victims to make larger investments in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms or mobile apps.
Once a victim deposits significant amounts, the scammers either cut off access to the platform or demand more money under the pretext of avoiding money laundering charges. In some cases, victims are even blackmailed or threatened.
How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself from similar scams, follow these precautions:
- Avoid suspicious job offers: If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Do not engage with unknown contacts: Block and report messages from unknown numbers offering quick money-making schemes.
- Avoid downloading unknown apps: Scammers may use malicious apps to steal personal data and access bank accounts.
- Verify investment opportunities: Research before investing in cryptocurrency or online platforms.
- Stay alert and report scams: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to cybercrime authorities immediately.
The team at Baddiehub is dedicated to bringing authentic and informative content to its readers. As scams continue to evolve, staying informed is the best defense against cyber fraud. Stay tuned to Baddiehub for the latest updates on cybersecurity and fraud prevention.