The Google Maps Review Scam: How I Lost Over ₹98,000

My Story: How I Became a Victim of Online Fraud

#

It all commenced with a straightforward text message. An individual contacted me, offering to compensate me for writing reviews on Google Maps. The proposition appeared to be relatively simple: compose a review and receive payment. To substantiate their legitimacy, they deposited ₹203 into my account after my initial review. The transaction appeared legitimate, prompting me to continue.

Subsequently, they informed me that to augment my earnings, I was required to participate in prepaid tasks. The process was uncomplicated: I was required to make an initial deposit, which would subsequently be returned with a profit. The initial amount was ₹600. Initially, I was hesitant but proceeded since I had already received compensation from them previously. Subsequently, they progressively increased the amounts—₹1,000, then ₹3,000, and finally ₹5,000. Each time, they assured me that I would receive my money back, along with a commission.

By the time I became aware of the potential issue, I had already transferred a total of ₹98,122. The anticipated returns never materialised. When I requested my funds, they either disregarded my messages or provided evasive explanations. Eventually, they blocked my contact.

This experience left me profoundly distressed. I had incurred a substantial loss of money, solely due to my unwarranted trust in a seemingly innocuous online task. I am compelled to share my experience with the intention of preventing others from making the same erroneous mistake.

How This Fraud Happened

#

This type of scam is a variation of an online job fraud, where scammers lure victims with promises of easy money. Here’s how they operate:

1. Initial Contact and Small Payment: Scammers contact victims via text, email, or social media, offering payment for simple online tasks, such as writing reviews or liking videos. To build trust, they transfer a small amount of money upfront, usually a sum that seems insignificant but convincing enough to make the victim believe the scheme is real.
2. Introduction to Prepaid Tasks: Once the victim feels comfortable, the scammers introduce the concept of prepaid tasks. They claim that by paying a small amount first, the victim can unlock higher-paying opportunities. The scammers often present this as a standard industry practice to filter out non-serious participants, making it seem legitimate.
3. Gradual Increase in Investment: After the first small payment, the scammer gradually convinces the victim to pay larger sums. They create a sense of urgency, stating that the more the victim invests, the higher the returns. Often, they fabricate fake success stories of others who allegedly made big profits, further pressuring the victim to continue paying.
4. The Final Disappearance: Once the victim has invested a significant amount, the scammer either stops responding, makes excuses about technical issues, or outright blocks the victim. By this stage, the victim realizes they’ve been scammed, but by then, recovering the lost money becomes nearly impossible.

Warning Signs: When to Exercise Caution

#

• 🔴 Too good to be true: quick money for simple reviews.
• 🔴 Asked for upfront deposits.
• 🔴 Escalating amounts each time.
• 🔴 No official communication channel.

How to Prevent Such Scams

#

1. Be Skeptical of Easy Money Offers: If someone claims you can make money effortlessly, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate opportunities don’t require upfront payments.
2. Verify the Source: Before engaging in any online job, research the company thoroughly. Look for an official website, check for reviews on trusted platforms, and search for any complaints or fraud reports. A simple online search with the company’s name followed by terms like ‘scam’ or ‘fraud’ can reveal red flags. Additionally, verify if the company has an official presence on LinkedIn or other professional networking sites, as scammers often avoid such platforms.
3. Never Pay for a Job: A genuine job will never ask you to pay money to earn money.
4. Check for Warning Signs: Mentioned above
5. Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid giving away sensitive details such as bank account information or OTPs.
6. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you suspect fraud, reporting it on the cybercrime.gov.in portal is a must. This is the official platform for cybercrime complaints in India and ensures that your case is properly recorded and directed to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, inform your bank and visit your local police station or cyber police station for further assistance.

By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling victim to online scams. If you’ve been a target, don’t stay silent, report it immediately and spread awareness.