In today’s digital age, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and one prevalent scheme involves individuals pretending to be representatives from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. This article aims to raise awareness about this scam and protect you from potential fraud.
How The Telegram Scam Works
- Initial Contact: The scam begins when someone reaches out to you via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, claiming to be a job representative from Fiverr or Upwork. They entice you with the promise of a job opportunity.
- Task Assignment: If you express interest, they will assign you a task, often related to submitting a review on Google My Business (GMB) for a business or participating in a voting process involving well-known brands.
- Verification: After completing the task, you’re asked to send a screenshot as proof of your participation.
- Joining Telegram: Next, they instruct you to join a Telegram group, where they provide you with a salary code. You’re told that this code will facilitate a small payment (around 150 PKR) for each task you complete.
- Receiving Payment: Initially, you might receive this small payment as promised, leading you to trust them further.
- Group Dynamics: In the Telegram group, you’ll notice numerous members sharing their successful task completions and payments. This creates a false sense of security.
- The Trap: After gaining your trust, the scammers will introduce a “merchant task,” which requires you to purchase a product or transfer money to a merchant. They promise that you’ll receive your money back along with a profit. However, after completing this task, you might find it impossible to recover your funds.
- Cycle of Deceit: The cycle continues, with the scammers assigning more tasks and requesting further payments, all while delaying your reimbursements.
Protect Yourself From Telegram Scam
- Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of unsolicited messages offering job opportunities or easy money. Always verify the identity of the person contacting you.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share your account details or sensitive information with unknown individuals or groups.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter such scams, report them to the respective platform and inform your friends and family to raise awareness.
- Educate Others: Share your knowledge about these scams to help others stay safe.
At AskWhat, we are committed to helping you navigate the digital landscape safely. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it often is. Stay safe and informed!