PANJIM, Jan. 29 -- Team Herald

A victim (name withheld) lost Rs 7 lakh over six days in a well-orchestrated scam that was executed on messenger applications. The scam, orchestrated through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, used a manipulative combination of trust-building tactics, 'tasks', and escalating payments to lure the victim into a web of deceit.

The scam began in October 2024, when the victim was added to a seemingly harmless WhatsApp group. The initial tasks were simple: follow a couple of WhatsApp channels and share screenshots with a 'Receptionist' named Chaya. For completing these tasks, the victim was instantly credited Rs 150 via UPI, building a false sense of legitimacy. The victim was then moved to a Telegram group for more ...