The Internet has completely changed our lives. We are now increasingly dependent on online means for education, entertainment, shopping and even earning. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, advertisements of ‘earn from home’ have increased rapidly. But with this speed, frauds related to online earning are also skyrocketing.
Millions of people fall prey to such scams every year in which they are lured to earn quick money without hard work. In this article, we will know what these scams are, how they work, how to avoid them and what to do if you become a victim.
Common scams related to online earning
Paid Survey Scams
Many websites claim that they will give you money for completing surveys. Initially they give some money, which builds trust. Later they say that to earn more money you have to buy a “Professional Account”. As soon as you send the money, the website shuts down or stops contacting you.
Data Entry Scam
This is the most common fraud. You are told to earn thousands of rupees by typing from home. 500 to 5000 rupees are taken in the name of registration fee. Later either no work is found or such work is found which is impossible to complete, and then your hard work is not paid.
Network Marketing and Pyramid Schemes
In these, you are asked to add others and earn money from them. Your earnings depend on how many people you added to this scheme. This is a kind of ‘Ponzi scheme’ which eventually collapses and the money of new people is lost.
Crypto and Trading Scams
Many websites and mobile apps promise you high profits in the name of cryptocurrency and forex trading. They first win trust by showing some profit and then disappear after making a big investment.
Freelancing fraud
Some fake clients offer you work on freelancer websites and then disappear with the work before payment. There are also some cases where a “security fee” is asked to be paid first to earn money.
Fake job offers and interview scams
Many times, a job abroad is offered through email or WhatsApp. Then, money is asked for visa processing fees, medical tests, or other charges. Neither the job is given nor the money is returned.
How to identify if it is a scam?
- Claims of getting rich quick – Promises like “Earn ₹1 lakh in 30 days”, “₹5000 in 2 hours a day” are always a scam.
- Asking for registration fee – If someone asks you to pay money first, be cautious.
- Professional websites and fake reviews – Many scammers add fake reviews and reviews to make the website look real.
- No valid contact information – The company does not have a valid address, email or phone number.
- Negative reviews on Google – Scams are often shared online by other people. Check by searching.
How to avoid these scams?
- Do research
Before working with any website or person for a money making opportunity, check its reviews on Google, search with keywords like “XYZ company scam”.
- Do not make any payment
Legitimate companies do not ask you for money to earn money. If someone is asking for money first, it is a red flag.
- Use freelancing websites properly
Take work from trusted websites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr. If someone is offering work through email or WhatsApp, be cautious.
- Be cautious on social media
Do not blindly believe the “earn from home” ads running on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Many of these are fake.
- Keep cyber security strong
Keep antivirus in your mobile and computer, do not click on unknown links and do not share personal information.
What to do if you become a victim of scam?
Complain to cyber crime
Go to the cyber crime portal of the Government of India and file a complaint. Here you can tell your case with complete information.
File an FIR in the nearest police station
If the matter is serious (such as fraud of a large amount), then file an FIR with the police. Legal action is necessary against fraudsters.
Inform the bank
If you have made an online transaction, immediately inform the bank and request to stop the transaction.
Make people aware
Share your experience on social media so that other people can also be alert and avoid fraud like you.
Role of government and cyber agencies in India
The Government of India is taking several steps to deal with online fraud:
Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930
If you need immediate help, contact this helpline number.
Digital Literacy Campaign
The government has launched campaigns to educate people on internet safety and financial literacy under the Digital India initiative.
CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
This organization monitors and advises on internet related threats.
Conclusion
Earning online is a real possibility, but it is your responsibility to identify and avoid the threats associated with it. If any website or person promises you quick money without hard work, then understand – it may be a fraud.
Be smart, be cautious and make informed decisions before adopting any earning opportunity. The internet is as full of opportunities as it is of threats – the only difference is information.
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