As Instagram's popularity surges, so does the activity of cybercriminals seeking to exploit unsuspecting users through innovative schemes. In a recent incident, a woman from Bangalore fell victim to an elaborate scam, losing a staggering ₹2.7 crore after being lured into an Instagram group promising lucrative returns.

The scam unfolded between April 6 and April 22, when the woman clicked on a link on her mobile phone, enticed by the prospect of easy financial gains. Little did she know, this would set off a chain of events that would result in substantial financial loss.

Initially, the woman was instructed to engage in seemingly harmless activities, such as liking YouTube channels, in exchange for monetary rewards. This led her to believe the scheme was legitimate, prompting her to invest further with hopes of doubling her savings in a short period. However, as she poured in ₹2.5 crore, communication with the purported company abruptly ceased, leaving her in despair.

Upon realizing she had fallen victim to fraud, the woman promptly reported the matter to the police. Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, aiming to trace the bank accounts of the perpetrators and freeze the illicitly obtained funds. Despite the cunning tactics employed by the fraudsters, law enforcement managed to recover a substantial portion of the stolen money.

According to police reports, the victim is set to receive a refund of ₹1.7 crore in a single installment, providing some relief amidst the ordeal. Additionally, efforts are underway to recover an additional ₹30 lakh, underscoring the authorities' commitment to seeking justice for the victim and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions

As instances of online scams continue to rise, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution when navigating the digital landscape. Users are urged to exercise discernment and skepticism, especially when presented with offers that seem too good to be true, to avoid falling prey to malicious schemes orchestrated by cybercriminals.