Fake Job Offers, Online Trading Scams Fuel Cyber Fraud in Kollam

KOLLAM: Cybercrime cases continue to rise in Kollam, with fraudsters increasingly targeting people through fake employment opportunities and online trading schemes, police have warned.

According to police data, residents of the district lost nearly ₹50 crore to cyber fraud during the past year. More than 3,000 complaints were received during the period, while investigators managed to recover around ₹11 crore.

Data-entry jobs used as a common bait

Fake work-from-home and data-entry jobs have emerged as one of the common methods used by fraudsters. Victims are often approached with promises of easy income and asked to pay a registration or joining fee before starting the job.

Although the initial payment may be relatively small, victims can lose at least ₹5,000 in such schemes. Police believe some people may not report these cases when the amount lost is comparatively low.

Larger financial losses, however, are more likely to be reported to cybercrime authorities.

Young people also falling victim

Cyber fraud is not limited to senior citizens, with young people also increasingly becoming targets.

In some cases, victims are drawn into Telegram-based task scams and gradually persuaded to transfer larger amounts of money. Police have reported cases involving losses running into lakhs of rupees.

Online trading scams are another major concern. Police said senior citizens account for a significant share of victims in such cases. In one reported case, a resident of Kundara lost ₹1.62 crore after being introduced to an alleged trading opportunity through social media.

Police urge public to stay alert

Cybercrime investigators have advised people to remain cautious when dealing with strangers online, particularly when links, investment opportunities or job offers are involved.

Police have also warned against allowing others to use personal bank accounts for money transfers. Such accounts can become part of illegal “money mule” networks, potentially exposing account holders to criminal investigation.

Authorities are urging residents to independently verify job offers and investment platforms and to report suspicious transactions immediately rather than waiting until substantial amounts are lost.