Pune Crime: Woman Duped Of ₹3.75 Lakh After Being Lured Into Fake Online Hotel Rating Job
Pune: Eight Held In ₹22 Crore Online Trading Scam Targeting Elderly Resident
Pune | January 19, 2026: A 26-year-old woman from the Hinjawadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad has fallen victim to an online fraud, losing ₹3.75 lakh after being lured with the promise of earning money from home through simple hotel rating tasks.
According to police, cyber fraudsters contacted the woman in the first week of August 2025 through an unknown WhatsApp number, asking whether she was interested in an online job. She was subsequently added to a messaging group, where she was assigned easy tasks such as giving online ratings to well-known hotels.
To gain her trust, the fraudsters initially credited small amounts to her bank account after she completed a few tasks. Encouraged by these payments, the woman continued participating in the scheme.
Once her confidence was established, the accused offered so-called “prepaid tasks” and high-return plans, claiming she would earn higher commissions. Believing the assurances, the woman transferred money in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. In total, she ended up transferring ₹3.75 lakh.
However, when she later asked for the return of her invested amount along with the promised commission, the fraudsters demanded additional payments. Realising she had been cheated, the woman approached the Hinjawadi Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Hinjawadi police have registered a case against unidentified persons operating the messaging group and the linked bank account holders. An investigation is currently underway to trace the accused.
Meanwhile, cyber police have issued an advisory urging citizens to remain cautious. “Do not fall for messages offering money for hotel ratings, YouTube likes, or investment-based tasks. Never transfer money online to unknown individuals,” police warned.
The incident once again highlights the growing menace of online job-related scams and the need for greater digital awareness among citizens.
