Kannur has become a hotspot for cyber fraud, specifically online job scams, with victims losing a staggering Rs 3 crore in the past six months alone, averaging Rs 50 per month. The police, based on 61 registered cases across the district, reveal the extent of the issue.
K Sanal Kumar, the SHO of Kannur Cyber police, highlights the diversity of victims, stating, “Among these cases, the largest amount lost by an individual is Rs 59 lakh. In this instance, a woman government employee fell victim to the fraud.”
The modus operandi involves scammers enticing victims through job offers on messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. Kumar explains, “The fraudsters offer high pay for performing online tasks like promoting products and services of some companies.” Victims, attracted by lucrative offers, pay a registration fee and initially receive promised remuneration. The scammers then present a new offer, luring victims into depositing large sums, ultimately blocking them and ceasing communication.
In a specific case, a youth paid Rs 1,000 for registration and earned Rs 10,000 for completing tasks. Later, he transferred Rs 47 lakh, realizing the scam only after the company demanded more for alleged income tax clearances. The Pariyaram police are investigating, with Sub Inspector Sanjay Kumar PC stating, “An investigation is on to bring the fraudsters before the law.”
Another incident involves government officers losing money in an online investment fraud, where a victim from Chakkarakkal in Kannur lost Rs 1 crore investing in a Canadian-based company. However, no case has been registered due to a lack of complaints.
Highlighting the challenge of nabbing online fraudsters operating from abroad, an officer emphasizes the importance of awareness to prevent such scams: “Online fraudsters operate from outside the country almost always. It’s no simple task to nab such fraudsters. The lone way to prevent such scams is awareness. People should be more vigilant while dealing with online entities.”
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