Pakistani Man Loses Rs4 Million in Online Scam

A Pakistani man has lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing in Lahore after becoming a victim of an elaborate online financial scam.

The incident, which occurred through WhatsApp and Telegram, resulted in a staggering financial loss of Rs4.12 million. In his letter, dated October 7, 2024, the victim detailed how the scammers, impersonating HR representatives from “Upwork,” lured him into engaging in fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions.

The Scam’s Development

The ordeal began on October 6, 2024, when the victim received messages from individuals claiming to be part of “Global HR” at Upwork, a prominent freelance platform. Initially, the fraudsters offered simple tasks, such as voting on links and rating restaurants on Google Maps, promising Rs100 per vote. These small payments were deposited into the victim’s JazzCash account, creating a false sense of legitimacy.

Once they gained the victim’s trust, the scam escalated. He was invited to join a Telegram group for more complex tasks labeled “Merchant Assignments.” These tasks involved making financial transfers to specific accounts, including the creation of an account on the website https://merchantbest.vip/ and investing in Bitcoin (BTC). The victim initially received small refunds on his investments, reinforcing the scam’s credibility.

Escalation and Emotional Manipulation

As the victim complied with the requests, the scammers pressured him into making increasingly larger payments, claiming his investments would double. Eventually, he had invested a total of Rs4,128,466.

When the victim hesitated to continue, the fraudsters resorted to cyberbullying and emotional manipulation, coercing him into making further payments. Each time he tried to withdraw his funds, he was met with new tasks, trapping him in an unending cycle of fraudulent demands.

Details of the Scammers

The victim provided the FIA with vital information to assist in the investigation, including bank account details used by the scammers. One particular account linked to United Bank Limited under the name Hidayat Ullah (Account No. 316649551, IBAN: PK85UNIL0109000316649551) was used for multiple transactions.

Plea for Justice

In his complaint, the victim urged the FIA to investigate the incident under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, track down those responsible, and help recover his lost funds. He emphasized the need for swift action to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams. The complaint included supporting evidence, such as screenshots of conversations on WhatsApp and Telegram, along with bank transaction receipts.

A Call to Action

This case underscores the increasing threat of online scams in Pakistan, particularly those involving cryptocurrency and digital platforms. The victim’s letter serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging with unknown entities online, even those that appear to be associated with reputable companies.

As cyber fraud continues to rise, the victim hopes that his experience will raise awareness and prompt authorities to implement stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals from such sophisticated schemes.

What is “Global HR”?

The victim has come forward to expose a WhatsApp scam that targets individuals by impersonating “HR” or “Global HR” representatives from Upwork. Lured by the promise of easy money, the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared his story in a letter aimed at warning others about the fraudulent activities that resulted in his significant financial loss.

The scam typically begins with a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be part of Upwork’s “Global HR,” offering simple tasks with promises of easy payments of Rs100 per vote, up to Rs300. Initially, these tasks appear harmless, and the scammers quickly gain the victim’s trust by providing small rewards.

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However, the situation escalates as the victim is offered higher-value tasks that require investing money into a local Pakistani bank account. The scammers entice him with the promise of doubling his investment, a temptation that proves irresistible. After the first payment, the fraudsters continuously request more money under the guise of assigning additional tasks, trapping the victim in a cycle of false promises. Despite attempts to withdraw his earnings, he is told that he must complete another task first, leaving him with mounting financial losses.

Warning Signs of the Scam

The victim identified several warning signs of the fraud:

– WhatsApp Messages from Fake HR Representatives: Reputable companies like Upwork do not communicate through WhatsApp, making such messages a clear red flag.

– Requests for Money Transfers: The scammers ask victims to transfer funds to personal bank accounts in Pakistan, indicating fraudulent activity.

– Promises of Doubling Investments: The scam exploits the victim’s desire for quick returns, leading to a cycle of financial loss.

Urging Vigilance

In his letter, the victim encouraged others to stay vigilant and avoid falling for such scams. He emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and promptly reporting incidents to the authorities to prevent others from becoming victims of similar fraud.

This case highlights how sophisticated fraudsters can exploit technology and people’s trust for financial gain, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. The victim hopes that his cautionary tale will raise awareness and help protect others from similar traps. He reiterated that anyone receiving such messages should not engage and should report the incidents to the relevant authorities.