Karnataka Online Job Scam: 12 Held in ₹5 Lakh Fraud
Karnataka Police have arrested 12 people in connection with a growing online job scam that cost a local man ₹5 lakh. This case highlights the increasing threat of cyber fraud in the digital job market.
Scam Started With Small Tasks
The victim received messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, offering him part-time work. The tasks seemed simple—liking videos, subscribing to YouTube channels, or writing short reviews.
At first, the man received small payments. These early payouts gave him confidence that the job was legitimate. Encouraged by this, he followed their instructions and invested money to access higher-paying tasks. However, once he sent ₹5 lakh, the fraudsters vanished. As a result, he reported the incident to the police.
Police Take Swift Action
Soon after receiving the complaint, the police formed a special team. They tracked digital transactions and used cyber tools to trace the culprits. Within days, the team identified and arrested 12 individuals involved in the fraud.
Each person in the gang played a specific role. Some contacted potential victims, while others managed fake websites and collected the money. The police charged them under the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act. Meanwhile, they are also investigating whether this group is linked to other scams across India.
Online Job Scams Are Rising
Job scams like this have become more frequent. With the rise of remote work, scammers now find it easier to approach victims online. These criminals often pose as recruiters and make false promises of easy income. They may ask for upfront payments, pretending it’s for registration, training, or task upgrades.
In many cases, they use convincing websites and social media profiles to build trust. Unfortunately, by the time victims realize the fraud, the money is already gone.
Authorities Warn the Public
Following the arrests, Karnataka Police issued a warning. They urged the public to stay alert while dealing with online job offers. People should verify recruiter details, avoid paying for job access, and report suspicious activity.
In addition, officials advised using trusted job platforms and company career pages. These steps can reduce the risk of falling for scams.
Victim Shares His Story
The man who lost his savings now wants others to be cautious. He shared, “They paid me at first, which made it look real. Later, they told me to invest to earn more. I trusted them and ended up losing everything.”
He hopes his experience helps prevent others from making the same mistake. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he said.
Cybercrime Cases Continue to Grow
Across the country, cybercrime units report a rise in online scams—especially those involving fake job offers, investment frauds, and phishing. These crimes often target people in financial need or those looking for work-from-home opportunities.
Therefore, awareness plays a key role in preventing such fraud. When people share their experiences and report suspicious behavior, it helps authorities respond faster.
Conclusion
The arrest of 12 individuals marks a strong move against online job fraud in Karnataka. While digital jobs offer flexibility, they also carry risks. People must remain cautious, ask questions, and never transfer money without verifying the offer.
The Karnataka online job scam is a reminder that staying informed and alert is the best defense against cybercrime.
