The digital age has ushered in significant advancements in technology and online platforms, bringing convenience and countless opportunities.
However, these benefits come with a downside: an alarming surge in cyber fraud and scams.
Among these deceptive schemes, the YouTube 'like and subscribe' scam has gained momentum.
Cybercriminals use social engineering techniques to exploit unsuspecting individuals by offering part-time job opportunities, only to deceive them into becoming victims of cyber theft.
The Trap is Set
The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken the lead in raising awareness about cyber threats through its Cyber Threat Awareness initiative.
The government's Twitter handle, Cyber Dost, shared a video exposing cyber fraud tactics used to trap people.
The scam follows a specific pattern, where the fraudsters contact potential victims via platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, offering tempting part-time work-from-home opportunities.
To build trust, the scammers initially request the victims to like and subscribe to YouTube videos.
The Illusion of Gains
Upon accepting the part-time job offer, the victims are initially rewarded with small payments for liking YouTube videos.
Exploiting this situation, the scammers manipulate the victims by presenting an attractive investment plan.
They lure the victims to a portal where they are asked to invest money in the scheme.
The victims, encouraged by their initial modest gains, are persuaded to invest larger amounts, hoping for higher returns.
Although the website may display returns, the scammers swiftly block the victims from all online platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, job apps, and websites, leaving them in a state of helplessness.
Please exercise caution if you find yourself falling victim to a YouTube-like and subscribe scam.
In such cases, it is crucial to act swiftly and contact government officials by dialing the number 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in to register your complaint.
Once the complaint is received, as mentioned in a tweet by Cyber Dost, the local police will provide assistance to the victim.