A 37-year-old woman from Dombivli, Maharashtra, lost Rs 15.14 lakh after falling for a fake work-from-home job that promised high earnings, police said.

The fraudsters, including a woman, contacted the victim between February and July last year. They guided her to use the Telegram app and gave her specific online tasks to complete. An official from the Manpada police station said the scammers promised her attractive returns for the work.

Over time, they convinced her to send a total of Rs 15,14,460 through various online transactions. However, after paying the money, she neither received the promised earnings nor got her money back.

Realising she was cheated, the woman filed a complaint with the Manpada police. On Tuesday, the police registered an FIR against three suspects under relevant legal sections. So far, no arrests have been made.

The police also discovered that at least five other people were scammed similarly by the same group. The investigation is ongoing to gather more information and confirm the extent of the fraud.

Beware of online scams

Online scams are growing rapidly, with fraudsters creating fake profiles and using clever tactics to fool people. They often promise high-paying jobs, quick profits, or exclusive deals to gain your trust. Once they convince you, they ask for money, OTPs, or even personal documents—leading to huge financial losses. These scammers are getting smarter every day, making it harder to spot the fraud. It’s crucial to stay alert. Never share your bank details, OTPs, or official documents with strangers online.

This case serves as a reminder to stay cautious of online job offers, especially those promising quick, high returns. Always verify the authenticity of such opportunities before sharing any money or personal details.

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