YouTube like and subscribe scam: Over the past few months, cybercriminals have been utilizing YouTube as a platform to deceive users and steal their money. This scam involves offering individuals part-time job opportunities, requiring them to like and subscribe to YouTube videos, only to later swindle their hard-earned cash.
To raise awareness about these cyber threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs has released a video shedding light on the tactics employed by scammers and providing tips on how to avoid falling victim to their traps.
Youtube Like & Subscribe Scam Explained!
यदि आप ऑनलाइन वित्तीय धोखाधड़ी के शिकार है, तो तुरंत 1930 पर कॉल करें और https://t.co/pVyjABu4od पर रिपोर्ट दर्ज करें। आपकी शिकायत पर संबंधित राज्य या केंद्र शासित प्रदेश की पुलिस कार्रवाई करेगी।#Youtube #ScamAlert #OnlineFraud #Dial1930 pic.twitter.com/MKUIEkGNoq— Cyber Dost (@Cyberdost) May 27, 2023
According to the video, fraudsters initiate contact with potential victims via popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, enticing them with lucrative work-from-home or part-time job offers. Once users accept the offer, they are directed to join a Telegram channel managed by the so-called “task manager,” who assigns them specific assignments.
In this particular scam, victims are instructed to like and subscribe to designated YouTube videos and provide screenshots as proof to the manager. As users continue to engage with the videos, the scammer’s job app shows an accumulating balance, allegedly representing their earnings.
However, these earnings are merely fictional, serving as a facade. When the victims reach a certain threshold, the scammers then demand an investment, typically around Rs 5,000, to supposedly access their accumulated earnings.
Once the unsuspecting victims transfer the money, the scammers abruptly sever communication by blocking the victims on WhatsApp and Telegram. Disturbingly, victims find themselves without any means of contacting their supposed task manager or the HR representative who offered them the part-time job.
In some instances, scammers go a step further by tricking victims into divulging their bank account details, subsequently enabling them to extract money from the victims’ accounts.
To safeguard against such scams, individuals are advised to thoroughly research the employer or business before accepting any offers presented via messaging platforms. It’s crucial to remember that legitimate employers never ask for payment in exchange for a job or request wire transfers or suspicious QR codes. In the unfortunate event of falling prey to an online scam, individuals should promptly report the incident to the authorities by dialling 1930 or registering a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/).
By staying vigilant and following these precautionary measures, users can protect themselves from falling victim to these YouTube job scams and ensure their online safety.
FAQ on YouTube like and subscribe scam on WhatsApp, Telegram
How can I get my money back from a Telegram scammer?
Recover your money by reporting the scam to authorities, contacting your bank or crypto exchange, and hiring a reputable recovery service or investigator. Keep records and don’t send more funds to the scammer. Also, warn others about the scammer’s Telegram handle to prevent further victims.
How to identify a fake Telegram account?
Activity and Content. Limited activity: Fake Telegram accounts often have minimal activity, such as no posts, few contacts, or no profile details. Incoherent or suspicious messages: Be wary of accounts sending unsolicited messages with suspicious links, asking for personal information, or promoting dubious schemes.
How can I protect my identity in Telegram?
For maximum security while using Telegram, take the following measures: Always use Secret Chats to ensure messages are end-to-end encrypted. Turn off the People Nearby feature to protect your location. Use a VPN to shield your IP address.
Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?
Both apps have business-specific features and integrations. WhatsApp collects basic data, offers end-to-end encryption, and allows the deletion of messages within a limited time frame. In contrast, Telegram lacks default end-to-end encryption but offers self-destructing messages and secret chats for enhanced privacy.
How to catch a scammer on WhatsApp?
If someone adds you to their contact list out of the blue, be wary of them. And if they start sending you messages that contain links or ask for money, delete their number and block them immediately. You should also never click on links from people you don’t know, even if they seem harmless.
What happens if a scammer has your phone number?
Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts. One way to hijack your phone number is through a porting-out scam.
Can I earn money by subscribing YouTube channels?
Subscribing to other people’s channels on YouTube or any other video-sharing website is not a valid way to earn money. SSome YouTubers are fraudsters; they will tell you absurd things like, “I’ll pay you if I reach a certain amount of subscribers.” Avoid falling for these kinds of scams.