In recent times, scammers have become more bold in their attempts to deceive unsuspecting victims. One of their latest tactics involves creating WhatsApp groups to entice individuals with promises of earning passive income by completing online tasks such as liking YouTube posts. A Khaleej Times reporter was recently added to one of these groups, along with many others, showcasing the aggressive nature of these scammers in recruiting more people. Each group consisted of 50 to 75 members from various countries, and the host used a specific mobile number for communication.
The unsuspecting UAE residents who were added to these groups were shocked at how their personal numbers were obtained by the scammers. The host of the group explained that the purpose of the group was to assist YouTube bloggers in increasing their visibility and click-through rates, while offering the participants the opportunity to earn potential income ranging from Dh500 to Dh800. While some individuals expressed concerns about privacy intrusion, the host assured them of a fruitful collaboration and stated that minors were not allowed to join the group.
This type of scam is not new, as it is a variation of the part-time job scam that was recently exposed by Khaleej Times. Victims of this scam are often promised easy money for simple tasks, but end up losing significant amounts of money instead. The scammers are quick to delete any comments that expose their fraudulent activities and often employ passive-aggressive tactics to maintain control over the narrative. They also claim to source these groups from a legitimate recruiting network to avoid suspicion.
To add a layer of authenticity to their scam, the fraudsters planted individuals within the group who claimed to have received payments for completing tasks. These fake testimonials aimed to lure more victims into the scheme by showcasing false success stories. Victims who fell for the initial trap on WhatsApp were then directed to join a Telegram group for further tasks, leading to bigger financial losses as they were asked to make additional payments.
It is essential for the public to be cautious and not engage with such scam tactics, even if they seem lucrative at first glance. Expert advice warns against sharing personal and financial information with unknown individuals online, as it can lead to significant financial losses. Authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting any fraudulent activities to law enforcement to prevent further victims from falling prey to these scams. Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Police have established helplines and online platforms for individuals to report such activities and seek assistance if they have been targeted by scammers. By staying vigilant and aware of these scams, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to financial fraud.
