Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 May 2024
In a distressing turn of events, a first-year B.D.S. student, permanent resident of New Pahargaon, Port Blair, has fallen prey to a cunning digital scam, leaving her with significant financial losses. The victim, shared her harrowing experience through a written complaint addressed to the Station House Officer of the Cyber Crime Police Station, Andaman Nicobar Islands.
According to the complaint lodged by the victim, on 17th of April 2024 while she was in another state for her education, she started receiving numerous calls from various unidentified numbers. These callers claimed affiliation with COINDCX (Digital Marketing) and offered her freelancing opportunities. Intrigued by the prospects presented, the victim agreed to participate in tasks involving providing Google reviews for hired brands. The victim was informed that after every five tasks she would be given a data task which requires an investment starting from 1000 rupees.
In her grievance, the victim recounted being coerced into joining Telegram groups, namely “Task 18 – 7000” and another group. Through these groups, she received tasks and instructions for her freelance work. During one of the tasks labeled “task 18,” a teammate made an alleged error. The victim recounted, she was informed by the fraudsters that in accordance with the company’s policy, everyone is liable to contribute towards rectifying the mistake, resulting in a payment of Rs. 24,500/- via UPI through her SBI bank account.
The situation escalated rapidly as the victim found herself making subsequent payments tootling Rs. 10,76,341/- from various bank accounts belonging to her family and friends. However, upon attempting to withdraw money, she was met with the shocking realisation that she had fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by an unknown individual.
Expressing her plight and seeking justice, the victim implored the authorities to take necessary legal action against the perpetrators responsible for her ordeal.