UP,Jan.02,2026:The Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam surfaced after two separate complaints were registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Lucknow. In both cases, scammers promised easy income, high returns, and risk-free investments, eventually cheating the victims of nearly Rs.60 lakh.
The fraudsters contacted victims via WhatsApp and Telegram, used fake company names, and showcased manipulated profit dashboards to maintain credibility.
How Online Task Scams Lure Victims
Online task scams typically begin with
- A message offering part-time work
- Promises of daily earnings
- No requirement for experience
- Small initial payouts to build trust
Once the victim is convinced, scammers push them to invest larger sums under the guise of unlocking higher commissions or profits.
This pattern was clearly visible in the Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam cases.
Rs.41 Lakh Lost via Fake Trading App
Victim Profile
Anil Kumar, originally from Auraiya’s Achhalda Sakrawa village, currently residing in Lucknow Cantonment area.
Timeline of Events
- 14 August 2025: Victim received a WhatsApp call offering online work
- Introduced to “Rent Redfin Trading App”
- Asked to complete simple online tasks
- First payment of 761 credited instantly
This small payout created a false sense of legitimacy.
The Big Trap
Between 17 August and 28 August 2025, Anil Kumar transferred money in multiple instalments
- 1 lakh
- 3 lakh
- 10 lakh
- 12 lakh
Payments were made to multiple UPI IDs and bank accounts, a common laundering tactic in the Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam.
Total Amount Lost ₹41+ lakh
After demanding withdrawal, the app stopped responding.
Telegram Investment Fraud of 15.82 Lakh
Victim Profile
Shashank Shukla, resident of Swapnil Saubhagya Society, Bijnor Road, working with a private medical company.
How the Scam Started
- Contacted via Telegram
- Introduced to “Darwinex Global” (fake representation)
- Asked to invest via app links
Fake Profits Displayed
- Investment: 9.05 lakh
- Shown profit: 18,885
- Total balance displayed: 26,987.05
When the victim attempted withdrawal, scammers demanded
- 30% tax payment of 4.81 lakh
- Threatened ID block and legal action
Eventually, 15.82 lakh was extracted, with zero returns.
How Cyber Criminals Manipulate Victims
The Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam showcases classic psychological manipulation
- Trust Building through small payments
- Urgency Creation via deadlines
- Fear Tactics using legal threats
- Greed Triggering with fake dashboards
Such techniques are well-documented by cyber experts across India.
Role of Telegram and Fake Investment Platforms
Telegram has become a preferred tool for cyber scammers due to
- End-to-end encryption
- Easy deletion of channels
- Limited traceability
Fraudsters often misuse international brand names like Darwinex to appear authentic.
Police Investigation and Cyber Crime Response
According to Inspector Brijesh Kumar Yadav, Cyber Crime Police Station, Lucknow
- Mobile numbers are being traced
- Bank account trails under analysis
- Requests sent to concerned banks and platforms
Authorities have urged citizens to report immediately to improve recovery chances.
Rising Trend of Online Task Investment Scams in India
The Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam is part of a larger national trend.
As per NCRB and MHA advisories
- Online investment frauds rose sharply post-COVID
- Telegram-based scams increased by over 70%
- Tier-2 cities are primary targets
How to Identify Red Flags in Online Investment Offers
Watch out for
- Guaranteed returns
- Requests to pay “tax” before withdrawal
- Unknown apps not on Play Store
- Pressure to act fast
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
What To Do If You Fall Victim to a Cyber Scam
- Immediately report on 1930 helpline
- File complaint at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Inform your bank
- Preserve screenshots and transaction IDs
Quick action can save money.
Government Advisories and Official Resources
- Ministry of Home Affairs Cyber Alerts
- RBI Digital Payment Safety Guidelines
- State Cyber Police Units
A Wake-Up Call for Digital India
The Lucknow Online Task Investment Scam serves as a harsh reminder that digital convenience comes with digital risks. As scammers grow smarter, citizens must become more vigilant.
Awareness, verification, and timely reporting remain the strongest weapons against cyber fraud.
