Mangaluru Woman Falls Prey to Deceptive Work-from-Home Scam: Loses ₹20 Lakh

telegram Jul 20, 2025

In the heart of Mangaluru, a tale of deceit has unfolded, shaking the trust many have in tranquil home setups and the alluring promises of online craftsmanship. This haunting episode serves as a cautionary tale for all those tempted by the siren song of easy money offered through digital channels.

The Hook: Temptation on Social Media

It all began with a simple glimpse at an Instagram advertisement. On May 6, an enticing offer for part-time work-from-home opportunities caught the eye of an unsuspecting Mangaluru resident. According to Deccan Herald, she clicked on the ad—an action that spiraled into a web of deceit, ultimately costing her a staggering ₹20.62 lakh.

The Web: Telegram as the Conduit

The initial engagement led to a contact through the Telegram messaging app. An individual, lurking behind the digital shadows, orchestrated her entry into a network of tasks. The brief was straightforward yet promising: like and rate various establishments, leave comments, and reap commissions. The methodology was meticulous—offering minor incentives to render the operation credible.

The Illusion: Building Trust Gradually

The scammers, in their intricate ploy, created multiple layers of engagement. A “salary code” was introduced to the victim, alongside a smidgen of apparent rewards—₹120 credited into her bank account. Names like “Meena Reddy,” “Rohit Sharma,” and “Lucky Singh” scrolled through the Telegram screen, each offering a semblance of legitimacy.

The Trap: An Increasingly Complex Network

The complexities began to unravel as the victim found herself ensnared in multiple Telegram groups. Conversations overflowed with tasks and promises. A trading account registration appeared legitimate—but in truth, every step furrowed her deeper into the fictitious framework.

The Collapse: Unraveling of a Deceptive Network

As the last rupee vanished from her account, the harsh reality dawned. Names once familiar faded into the digital ether, leaving nothing but silence in their wake. The once responsive “Meena Reddy” and her cohorts simply disappeared, stripping away any pretense.

The Resolution: An Ongoing Struggle for Justice

The Bajpe Police Station now holds the remnants of this tale in its ledger, a solemn reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of digital deceit. While the investigation is in continuous motion, this episode stands as a stark reminder for others: trust is a commodity more precious than gold, especially in the ever-expanding digital marketplace.

This unfortunate incident draws attention to the need for increased awareness and scrutiny when approached by too-good-to-be-true offers online. Keep your eyes open and instincts sharp—today’s world demands nothing less.

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