A bizarre and disturbing online scam, dubbed the 'All India Pregnant Job' fraud, is targeting men across the country with a shocking proposition. Fraudsters are luring victims by offering them between Rs 10 to 15 lakh to impregnate a childless woman.
How the Elaborate Scam Operates
The cyber criminals initiate contact through social media platforms or messaging apps like WhatsApp. They present a fabricated but emotionally charged story: a wealthy, childless woman or couple is desperately seeking a man to help them conceive a child. The promised reward for this 'service' is a life-changing sum of money, specifically mentioned as Rs 10 lakh, Rs 12 lakh, or even Rs 15 lakh.
To appear legitimate, the scammers share fake documents, including Aadhaar cards, bank details, and medical reports of the supposed woman. They also send photos and engage in lengthy conversations to build trust. Once the target is hooked, the fraudsters introduce various fees under different guises. Victims are asked to pay money for registration, legal paperwork, medical tests, and insurance before the promised 'job' and payment can proceed.
Bihar Emerges as a Major Target
While reports of this scam have surfaced from several states, law enforcement officials note that a significant number of victims are from Bihar. The promise of quick, large sums of money in a state grappling with unemployment makes the trap particularly effective. The Cyber Crime police station in Patna has registered multiple complaints related to this specific fraud.
One victim, a man from Bihar's Gopalganj district, lost a substantial amount of money after being convinced by the elaborate story and fake documents. His case is not isolated, indicating a coordinated effort by the fraudsters.
Police Warnings and Public Advisory
Cyber crime units are actively investigating these cases and have issued stern warnings to the public. They emphasize that no genuine offer involves paying upfront fees for a job, especially one that sounds too good to be true and involves unethical or illegal activities.
Authorities advise extreme caution against any online offer that promises huge money for little work. They urge people to never share personal documents or send money to unknown individuals based on online conversations. Verifying the authenticity of any such proposal through official channels or local police is crucial before engaging any further.
The 'pregnant job' scam highlights the evolving and audacious nature of cybercrime in India, exploiting personal desires and financial vulnerabilities. Vigilance and skepticism remain the best defenses against such predatory schemes.