Scams & Fraud · URGENCY: HIGH
Job, Task or Work-From-Home Fraud
Fake “part-time job” and “task” offers pay you a small amount first, then push you to deposit money for bigger “tasks” or “commission” that never comes back. Never pay to get a job or to “unlock earnings”. If you have paid, call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in.
These scams reach you on WhatsApp/Telegram with easy “like and earn” or “rate the hotel” tasks and a tiny real payout to build trust — then require prepaid deposits for “merchant tasks” or a “refundable” amount, which is where the losses mount. A genuine employer never asks you to pay.
What to do now
- Stop paying — do not make any deposit, “registration fee” or “task” payment.
- If you have paid, call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in with the details.
- Preserve the chats, the offer, the “employer”/group and all payment references.
What to do now
- 01
Stop the payments
Do not send the next “deposit” or “task” amount. Earlier small payouts are bait; the deposits are your real loss.
- 02
Report on 1930 / NCRP
Call 1930 and file on cybercrime.gov.in with the beneficiary UPI/account, amounts and dates so a hold can be attempted.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal - 03
Tell your bank
Report the transactions to your bank/payment app in writing and ask them to flag the beneficiary.
- 04
Preserve evidence
Keep the job offer, the WhatsApp/Telegram chats and group, the “HR”/“manager” profiles, task screenshots and every transaction reference.
- 05
Verify future offers
Check the company independently (official website/careers page, phone the listed number), and never share bank OTPs or pay to be hired.
Red flags of a job / task scam
- Unsolicited “part-time job” offer on WhatsApp/Telegram with high pay for trivial tasks
- A small real payout early on to build trust
- Any request to deposit money for “tasks”, “commission” or a “refundable” amount
- Pressure and “limited slots”; communication only via chat apps
- Payments to personal UPI IDs or accounts, not a registered company
Documents to keep available
- The job/task offer message and the chat history
- The “employer”, “HR” or group names, numbers and profile links
- Task/dashboard screenshots
- Transaction IDs / UTR and the beneficiary UPI or account
Requirements may vary by case and authority.
What not to do
- Do not pay any amount to get a job, unlock tasks or receive “commission”.
- Do not share bank OTPs, card details or your full banking credentials.
- Do not chase earlier “profits” by depositing more.
- Do not delete the chats or transaction records before reporting.
Frequently asked questions
They paid me for the first few tasks — how can it be a scam?
Small early payouts are the bait to make you trust the scheme before it asks for deposits. Once you must pay to continue or to withdraw, it is a scam. Stop and report.
I paid a “registration” or “deposit” — can I recover it?
Report on 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in as fast as possible; a hold may be possible if the money is still traceable, but recovery is not guaranteed. Never pay a “recovery agent”.
How do I check a job offer is genuine?
Verify the company through its official website and listed contact number, insist on proper documentation, and remember a legitimate employer never asks you to pay to be hired.
Official resources
When professional assistance may be appropriate
Where an issue significantly affects your legal position, banking access, livelihood or business, or involves a notice, investigation or multiple jurisdictions, consider advice from an appropriate qualified professional.
Relevant professional types: Cyber crime lawyer
Need help with this issue?Sources: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) · I4C / MHA cyber-safety advisories
Last reviewed: 30 August 2026. This independent guide is general information, not legal advice, and does not control official investigations or processes.