India, April 20 -- A 27-year-old software professional from Bengaluru was swindled out of Rs.17 lakh within a day after falling prey to a fraudulent work-from-home job offer circulating on WhatsApp, reported The Times India. A case has been registered and the investigation is ongoing.

According to a complaint registered at the East CEN Crime Police Station, the victim received a message on April 10 around 10 am from an unknown number offering a lucrative part-time opportunity that could be done from home. The sender, who introduced herself as Shamika, claimed the job involved simple online tasks and shared a link to a Telegram group for further instructions.

Upon joining the group, the individual was guided to perform seemingly harmless...