Scam in the name of Google reviews:Young man duped of 7 Lakh; Don’t fall for work-from-home earnings scams, know how to stay safe

In recent days, a 29-year-old man from Bhopal was defrauded. Scammers cheated him out of several lakh by promising earnings through ‘Google reviews’. The scammers first contacted him on Telegram and offered him money in exchange for posting Google reviews. Initially, they asked him to complete small tasks. They also won his trust by giving him profits. They then cheated him out of a total of ₹4.73 lakh in the name of new tasks, bonuses and refunds. Hoping to recover the money, the man also took a personal loan of ₹2 lakh, but the scammers took that money as well. When he realised he had been defrauded, he filed a complaint with the police. This is not an isolated case. In recent times, several cases of fraud have been reported in the name of ‘Google review tasks’ and online part-time jobs. Therefore, in ‘Cyber Literacy’ today, we will discuss the ‘Google review task scam’. We will also learn- Question-What is a ‘Google review’? Answer- A Google review is feedback or a rating that people post on Google after using a shop, hotel, restaurant, hospital or another service. Users give a rating of between one and five stars and write about their experience. This helps other people assess the quality of a business or service. Question-What is the ‘Google review task scam’? Answer- This is an online fraud in which cybercriminals lure people with the promise of earning money in exchange for reviewing and rating hotels, restaurants or other businesses on Google Maps. Initially, the scammers gain the victim’s trust by making a few small payments. They then persuade the victim to invest or pay a fee in the name of higher earnings, bonuses or VIP tasks. Once the victim deposits a large sum, the scammers disappear with the money. Question: How do cyber scammers trap people in Google review task scams? Answer: Cyber scammers send messages on WhatsApp or Telegram offering part-time jobs in the name of “Google review tasks”. They claim in the messages that people can earn ₹3,000-5,000 a day by giving five-star ratings to hotels, restaurants or shops, but this is just a fraud. Understand the entire scam through this graphic: Question- What mistakes cause people to fall for this scam? Answer- The lure of making easy and quick money, and sending money without checking or verifying the details, are the main reasons people fall for this scam. See all the common mistakes in the graphic- Question- Why do cyber fraudsters pay money at the beginning? Answer- Cyber fraudsters initially win people’s trust by paying them a small amount in exchange for completing minor tasks. This makes people believe that the offer is genuine and that they are earning money. Once they have gained their trust, the fraudsters entice them with promises of higher returns, bonuses or refunds, persuade them to deposit large sums and then disappear with the money. Question- What excuses are used to demand money in Google review scams? Answer- Cyber fraudsters persuade people to deposit money in the name of various tasks, fees and charges. They demand money using these excuses- Keep in mind that the names may vary, but the sole purpose is to get you to part with your money. Question- Who do scammers target in this scam? Answer- Cyber fraudsters generally target people who are looking for work-from-home or part-time earning opportunities, such as- Question: Does Google pay people to write reviews? Answer: No, Google does not pay people to write reviews or give ratings. Offers claiming that people can earn money in exchange for reviews are scams. Question: What risks are involved in writing fake reviews on Google? Answer- Writing fake reviews violates Google’s policy. Such reviews may be removed, and action may be taken against the account concerned. Question- What should you do if you fall victim to a Google review scam? Answer- Do not panic in such a situation and take these necessary steps immediately- Question- What precautions should you take to avoid such scams? Answer- Be cautious of any offer that promises high earnings without any effort. The sooner you report such scams, the greater the possibility of recovering your money. See all the necessary precautions to avoid scams in the graphic- Question-Is it legally permissible to post a fake Google review? What does the law say about this? Answer-No, there is no law in India that specifically declares a ‘fake Google review’ to be a crime. However, if a person knowingly writes false reviews after taking money or with the intention of misleading someone, legal action may be taken against them under cyber and consumer protection laws. Question-Where and how can this scam be reported? Answer-Report it by calling the National Cyber Helpline on 1930. You can also file a complaint online at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting the matter promptly increases the chances of action and recovering the money. Question – Which essential documents should be kept while filing a complaint? Answer – The more evidence available when filing a cyber fraud complaint, the more it will help with the investigation and action. Keep these documents with you when filing the complaint: