Ex-Serviceman from Hyderabad Loses Over 91 Lakh in Elaborate Online Job Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 63-year-old ex-serviceman from Matrusri Nagar in Miyapur, Hyderabad, has been duped of more than 91 lakh rupees in a sophisticated online part-time job scam. The victim, who was promised lucrative returns for promoting fictitious real-estate ventures, fell prey to fraudsters who later trapped him in prepaid investment schemes with promises of quick and high profits.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Telegram Contact to Massive Losses
The ordeal began in December 2025 when the victim was first contacted by a fraudster identifying herself as Kanshika Ryan through the messaging app Telegram. Ryan offered him part-time e-commerce online promotion tasks, assuring daily returns ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 rupees. This initial contact set the stage for a carefully orchestrated deception.
Soon after, the victim was linked to another agent named Vaishali, who directed him to register on multiple websites belonging to a fake real-estate firm. To build trust, the scammers provided a free trial that yielded a small payout, convincing the ex-serviceman of the scheme's legitimacy.
The Trap of Investment Slabs and False Promises
Once the victim was hooked, he was shown investment slabs ranging from 30,000 to 3 lakh rupees, with promised monthly earnings of up to 6 lakh rupees. Lured by these attractive returns, the complainant began transferring funds through UPI and bank channels, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity.
Initially, the platforms allowed him to withdraw about 47,000 rupees, which further reinforced his trust in the scheme. However, this was merely a tactic to deepen the fraud.
Escalating Demands and the Final Blow
The situation took a turn for the worse when the victim attempted to withdraw 13 lakh rupees. At this point, the fraudsters introduced a series of escalating demands, including:
- A 50% security deposit
- A virtual asset tax
- A platinum upgrade fee
These additional charges amounted to a staggering 31 lakh rupees. Despite his payments, the withdrawal request remained on hold, leaving the victim in financial ruin.
Police Intervention and Legal Action
Realizing that he had been duped, the ex-serviceman approached the Cyberabad cybercrime police on Friday, January 23. In response, the police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
The case has been booked under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338, and 340(2) read with 3(5) of the BNS, along with Section 66-D of the IT Act. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the crime and the authorities' commitment to tackling cyber fraud.
A Cautionary Tale for Online Users
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online job offers and investment schemes. Fraudsters often use tactics like free trials and small payouts to build trust before exploiting victims for larger sums. The ex-serviceman's loss of over 91.5 lakh rupees between December 3 and January 12 highlights the devastating impact of such scams.
As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of online opportunities, and report suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. The Cyberabad police's swift action in this case may help prevent similar frauds in the future.
