Scammers are becoming increasingly audacious in their pursuit of victims, employing new tactics to ensnare unsuspecting individuals.
Scammers target victims via WhatsApp groups.
Their latest scheme involves the creation of WhatsApp groups, where they entice people with promises of earning money through seemingly simple online tasks, such as liking YouTube posts, under the guise of "earning passive income."
A reporter recently found themselves added to one of these groups by Enhmedia Digital Marketing Company 27. What's alarming is that the reporter was added to two similar groups, numbered 25 and 26, on the same day, indicating a concerted effort by scammers to expand their reach.
Each group consisted of 50 to 75 members, with phone numbers originating from various countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Egypt, and the UAE. The group creator, using the mobile number +20 150 1687757, wasted no time in outlining the group's purpose: assisting YouTube bloggers to boost their visibility and click-through rates, all while purportedly earning passive income during one's free time.
Promises of Earnings
Participants were tantalized with the promise of potential earnings ranging from Dh500 to Dh800 for tasks such as liking, following, and commenting on YouTube posts. Despite the intrusion into their privacy, the group creator attempted to assuage any concerns by expressing regret for any inconvenience caused and inviting collaboration.
However, some individuals quickly recognized the scam and voiced their concerns, only to be swiftly removed from the group by the scammers. Those who remained were met with passive-aggressive responses from the host, who dismissed accusations of fraudulence and insisted on the legitimacy of their operations.
This scam is just the latest iteration of a part-time job scam that surfaced recently. Instead of providing legitimate employment opportunities, victims end up losing substantial sums of money. Scammers are adept at deleting critical comments and employing tactics to maintain the illusion of legitimacy, including posting fake bank transfer receipts to deceive participants.
The scheme doesn't end with the WhatsApp groups; victims are eventually directed to join Telegram groups for further tasks. They are instructed to take screenshots of completed tasks, which are then sent to a purported receptionist for payment initiation. Unfortunately, these tasks often require victims to make financial contributions, leading to significant losses.
To combat such fraudulent activities, authorities urge the public to report any suspicious behavior immediately. Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Police offer helplines and online platforms for reporting cybercrimes, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and caution when engaging with unknown individuals online. It's crucial for individuals to refrain from disclosing personal or financial information to unfamiliar parties, particularly on messaging platforms where scams thrive.
