The victim was watching Instagram reels when he came across an advertisement claiming to double his money.
When he clicked on the ad, it took him to a gaming website.
The site allowed users to deposit and withdraw money.
It’s scary how one wrong click while scrolling through social media can turn into a nightmare. A 23-year-old physiotherapist recently learned this the hard way when he lost Rs 1.9 lakh to a fake online gaming website. Keep reading to know how the scam unfolded and how you can avoid falling for such frauds.
The incident began on April 18. The young man was watching Instagram reels when he came across an advertisement claiming to double his money. Curious and tempted by the promise of quick profits, he clicked on the ad, which took him to a gaming website.
Also read: Retired govt official loses Rs 22 lakh after clicking on an ad: Here’s what happened
The site allowed users to deposit and withdraw money. The victim started by depositing Rs 101 multiple times, 100 times to be exact, reports TOI. As promised, the platform showed that he had received bonus amounts along with the deposited amount.
Things took a turn when he tried to withdraw the money. The withdrawal option was disabled. The website then prompted him to add more funds. He continued depositing funds in stages between April 18 and May 5. In total, he ended up transferring Rs 1.9 lakh, but still he was unable to withdraw the money.
Also read: Elderly man loses Rs 3.75cr in online trading scam: Here’s what happened and how to stay safe
How to avoid falling for such scams
- Don’t trust quick money ads: If a website promises to double your money instantly, it’s likely a scam.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links: Social media ads can be misleading. Always verify the source before clicking.
- Use only trusted platforms: Stick to well-known and verified apps for gaming or investing.
- Don’t share banking info blindly: Never enter personal or financial details on unknown websites.
- Report: If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to the police and cybercrime helpline.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
