Engineer Loses ₹25 Lakh in Multi-Layered Crypto Job Scam in Hinjewadi

A 31-year-old engineer working at a private firm in Hinjewadi has lost ₹25 lakh in a sophisticated cyber fraud involving a fake cryptocurrency part-time job scam followed by a phone-hacking attack. The victim has filed a complaint with the Hinjewadi Police, who have launched a detailed investigation.

WhatsApp Job Offer Promising 30% Commission Sets the Trap

According to investigators, the scam began on November 5, when the victim received an unsolicited WhatsApp message offering a part-time work-from-home job. After responding, he was added to a group where members promised up to 30% commission for completing cryptocurrency “tasks.”

To build credibility, the group administrators instructed him to transfer funds to multiple bank accounts under the guise of legitimate investment cycles. Trusting the offer, the engineer transferred ₹16.45 lakh between November 5 and 13, expecting high returns.

Withdrawal Attempt Leads to Suspicion and Fresh Demands

When the victim attempted to withdraw his profits, he was suddenly asked to make additional payments to “unlock” the returns. This demand raised suspicion, prompting him to stop communication and file an online complaint.

However, the scammers had already prepared the second phase of the fraud.

Malicious Links Enable Remote Access; Phone Compromised

On the evening of November 13, the victim received two unknown links via text messages. Believing these to be related to the earlier transaction, he clicked on both. The links contained remote-access malware, allowing the fraudsters complete control over his device — including access to banking apps, messages, and OTPs.

Using this access, the scammers executed unauthorized transactions between November 18 and 20, siphoning ₹8.58 lakh from two of his bank accounts.

₹25 Lakh Total Loss; Police Warn of Rising Multi-Layered Cyber Frauds

A senior Hinjewadi police officer confirmed that the case reflects a multi-layered cyber fraud pattern — first trapping victims with fake investment schemes, then compromising their devices to execute direct withdrawals.

An FIR has been registered under relevant IPC and IT Act sections. Cybercrime teams are analyzing the malicious links, tracing the beneficiary accounts, and examining whether mule accounts were used.

Police Advisory: Beware of Unverified Job Offers and Unknown Links

Authorities have issued a strict advisory amid rising cases of crypto-based part-time job scams. Citizens are urged to:

• Avoid clicking on links from unknown numbers

• Never transfer money for verification or task completion

• Stay away from unverified WhatsApp/Telegram groups promising high returns

• Avoid installing screen-sharing or remote-access apps

• Report incidents immediately on the NCRP portal

Cyber Team Tracing Money Trail; Larger Syndicate Suspected

Investigators are mapping the money trail to identify the final beneficiaries and determine potential links to interstate or organized cybercrime syndicates. The phone numbers used to send the malware links are also under forensic examination.

Authorities emphasized the importance of verifying any job or investment offer received through messaging platforms, as scammers increasingly exploit informal communication channels to target working professionals

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