Mumbai Dentist Falls Victim to Fake Part-Time Job Scam, Loses Rs 2.68 Lakh

MUMBAI: Dr. Samkit Gujar, a 29-year-old dentist at Gujar’s Multispeciality Denal Clinic in Parel, Mumbai, became the unfortunate target of a sophisticated cyber fraud on December 25th, 2023. The scam, disguised as a part-time job offer, cost him a staggering Rs 2.68 lakh.

Lure of Easy Money:

The scheme began with a seemingly innocuous message on Dr. Gujar’s phone. A woman named Ritushree, claiming to be from ScoopWhoop India Online, contacted him via an unknown number. She presented an enticing opportunity: a part-time “task-based job” involving simple restaurant reviews, promising generous pay ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 2,000 per task.

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Telegram Trap:

Intrigued, Dr. Gujar accepted the offer. He was instructed to join a Telegram group where further details and tasks would be provided. This marked the transition into the scammers’ carefully constructed web.

The Escalating Demands:

The initial tasks were straightforward, and Dr. Gujar received the promised payment for his first completed review. However, the scheme quickly morphed into a classic “scam spiral.” Subsequent tasks involved upfront payments, disguised as “pre-requisites” for higher earnings. Dr. Gujar, initially drawn in by the seemingly genuine payouts, complied with these demands:

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• Task 2: Pay Rs 1,000 (received Rs 1,410 after completion)
• Task 3: Pay Rs 3,000 (received Rs 5,360 after completion)
• Task 4: Pay Rs 28,000 (account “frozen” upon completion)

Account Frozen, Demands Intensify:

Following the fourth task, Dr. Gujar’s access to the supposed earnings was blocked, claiming incomplete work. To “recover” his account, he was instructed to pay an additional Rs 68,000. This desperation tactic proved effective, and Dr. Gujar complied.

The Abyss Deepens:

The scammers weren’t finished yet. They demanded further deposits – Rs 1.65 lakh to “complete” the frozen task and then, shockingly, Rs 2.22 lakh as “compensation” for a supposed delay in his earlier payment. By this point, Dr. Gujar, realizing the fraudulent nature of the scheme, finally stopped sending money.

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Seeking Justice:

On January 4th, 2024, Dr. Gujar, no longer a victim but a fighter, approached the Mumbai police. He filed a complaint against the unknown perpetrators, providing the Telegram profile details and transaction records as evidence.

A Wake-Up Call:

Dr. Gujar’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the online world. Cybercriminals, posing as legitimate employers, prey on people’s desire for easy money. This case highlights the importance of:

• Verifying the Source: Always scrutinize unsolicited job offers, especially those originating from unknown sources or platforms.
• Beware of Upfront Payments: Legitimate tasks rarely require upfront fees. Be wary of any job that demands such payments.
• If it Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is: Don’t fall for promises of quick and effortless wealth. Be skeptical of offers that seem unrealistic.
• Report Immediately: If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities without delay.

By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, we can work together to combat these online predators and protect ourselves from falling victim to their schemes.

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