LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani man has lodged a formal complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing in Lahore after falling victim to an elaborate online financial scam.
The scam, which unfolded via WhatsApp and Telegram, led to a substantial financial loss of Rs4.12 million.
According to the victim’s letter, dated October 7, 2024, the fraudsters posed as HR representatives from “Upwork” and tricked him into participating in fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions.
The ordeal began on October 6, 2024, when individuals posing as representatives from “Global HR” at Upwork, a popular freelance platform, contacted the victim.
They initially offered simple tasks such as voting on links and rating restaurants on Google Maps, promising Rs100 per vote. These small payments were promptly transferred to the victim’s JazzCash account, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
After gaining his trust, the scam escalated. The victim was invited to a Telegram group for more complex tasks called “Merchant Assignments,” which involved making financial transfers and setting up an account on the website https://merchantbest.vip/. He was also asked to invest in Bitcoin (BTC). At first, small refunds on his investments were given, adding to the credibility of the scheme.
fraud and emotional manipulation
As the scam progressed, the fraudsters convinced the victim to make larger payments, promising that his investments would double. The total amount he ended up paying reached Rs4,128,466.
When the victim showed hesitation, the scammers resorted to cyberbullying and emotional manipulation, pressuring him to continue making payments. Each time he attempted to withdraw his funds, new tasks were assigned, trapping him in a vicious cycle.
Scammers Bank details
The victim provided the FIA with vital details to assist the investigation, including the bank account information used by the fraudsters. One key account, held at United Bank Limited under the name Hidayat Ullah (Account No. 316649551, IBAN: PK85UNIL0109000316649551), was involved in multiple transactions.
In his complaint, the victim urged the FIA to investigate the case under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, trace the fraudsters, and recover his lost funds. He also called for swift action to prevent others from falling prey to similar scams. The victim submitted screenshots of WhatsApp and Telegram conversations, along with bank transaction receipts, as evidence.
This case underscores the rising threat of online scams in Pakistan, particularly those involving cryptocurrency and digital platforms. The victim’s letter serves as a stark warning about the dangers of engaging with unknown online entities, even when they appear credible.
As cyber fraud cases increase, the victim hopes his experience will raise awareness and prompt stronger measures from the authorities to protect others from such schemes. The FIA is expected to focus on tracing the financial trail and bringing the culprits to justice.
What is Global HR?
The scam targeted individuals by impersonating “Global HR” from Upwork. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained how he was lured into the scheme by promises of easy money.
The scam began with a WhatsApp message claiming to be from Upwork’s “Global HR,” offering small tasks like voting for a reward of Rs100 per vote. The early success in receiving small payments gained the victim’s trust, but the fraud quickly escalated into demands for financial transfers. The scammers assured the victim that his investments would double, drawing him further into the trap.
Despite repeated attempts to withdraw his earnings, the scammers continued to block access to the funds, leaving the victim with nothing but mounting losses.
Key warning signs identified by the victim
- WhatsApp Messages from Fake “HR” Representatives: Reputable companies like Upwork do not contact individuals through WhatsApp, making such messages an immediate red flag.
- Requests for Money Transfers: The fraudsters asked victims to transfer money to personal bank accounts, a clear sign of fraudulent activity.
- Promises of Doubling Investments: The scam preyed on the victim’s desire for quick returns, trapping him in a cycle of financial loss.
Victim’s warning to others
In his letter, the victim urged others to stay vigilant and avoid engaging with such schemes. He stressed the importance of recognizing the warning signs and reporting such incidents to authorities to prevent others from becoming victims.
The scam highlights how sophisticated fraudsters can exploit technology and trust for financial gain, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. The victim hopes his story will raise awareness and protect others from falling into similar traps. He urged anyone receiving such messages to report them to the relevant authorities immediately.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
