Over 20 Vizag Residents Lose ₹1.3 Crore in Fake Job Scams

Visakhapatnam, October 9, 2026: More than 20 residents of Visakhapatnam have reportedly lost a combined amount exceeding ₹1.3 crore in separate fake work-from-home job and online task scams, according to a report published by The Times of India.

The fraudsters allegedly approached victims through WhatsApp, Telegram and social media, offering simple online tasks and attractive earnings. In several cases, small initial payments helped build trust before victims were persuaded to transfer larger sums.

How the Fake Work-from-Home Scams Operated

According to the report, scammers contacted people with offers of part-time online work, promising payment for completing basic tasks. Victims were sometimes paid initially, making the opportunities appear genuine.

The fraud allegedly escalated when victims were asked to deposit money to unlock additional tasks, receive promised earnings or participate in investment schemes. After receiving larger transfers, the scammers reportedly stopped responding.

19-Year-Old Woman Reportedly Loses Around ₹2 Lakh

In one reported case, a 19-year-old woman received a work-from-home offer through WhatsApp. She initially received ₹15,000, which led her to believe the opportunity was legitimate.

She was later asked to deposit money to receive further payments. Over three days, she reportedly transferred around ₹2 lakh. The fraudster then demanded additional money, prompting her to realise that she may have been cheated and approach the cybercrime police.

Two Women Reportedly Lose ₹45 Lakh in an Investment Scheme

In another case, two women reportedly responded to a social media post offering online work. They were given simple tasks and received initial payments before being introduced to an alleged investment scheme promising returns of 30% to 50%.

One woman reportedly transferred nearly ₹30 lakh, while the other paid more than ₹15 lakh. The alleged fraudsters stopped communicating after receiving the money.

Several other victims reportedly lost amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Police Register Cases; Investigation Underway

Police have registered cases in connection with the complaints, and investigations are underway. The reported cases involve alleged cheating and impersonation, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Authorities have urged residents to be cautious about unsolicited online job offers, particularly those that require deposits or promise unusually high returns.

How to Protect Yourself From Online Job Scams

Residents can reduce their risk by following these precautions:

• Never pay to get a job: Be suspicious of offers requiring deposits, recharge payments or fees to release earnings.

• Verify the employer: Check the company’s official website, contact details and recruitment process independently.

• Avoid guaranteed-return schemes: Promises of unusually high or guaranteed profits are a warning sign.

• Do not share sensitive information: Never disclose banking passwords, PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs).

• Report fraud quickly: If money has been transferred, call 1930 immediately and file a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.

Residents should be particularly cautious when an online opportunity combines easy earnings, small initial payouts and repeated requests for larger deposits.

FAQs

1. How much money did Vizag residents reportedly lose in fake job scams?

More than 20 residents reportedly lost over ₹1.3 crore in separate incidents.

2. How do fake work-from-home job scams operate?

Scammers offer simple online tasks and may pay small amounts initially. They then ask victims to deposit larger sums or invest money to unlock earnings.

3. Which platforms were reportedly used by the scammers?

The reported incidents involved WhatsApp, Telegram and social media.

4. What should I do if I lose money in an online job scam?

Call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 immediately and submit a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.

5. How can I identify a fake online job offer?

Be cautious if an offer demands upfront payments, promises unusually high returns or asks you to deposit money to withdraw your earnings.