It starts with a simple WhatsApp message from an unknown number: “Hello, are you looking for a part-time job? You can earn ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 daily just by liking YouTube videos or rating Google Maps locations.”
It sounds like a dream come true. Easy money from the comfort of your home. You reply “Yes,” and they send you ₹150 immediately as a “Welcome Bonus.”
This is the bait.
In 2025, the “Prepaid Task Scam” on Telegram is destroying finances. Victims aren’t just losing a few rupees; they are losing lakhs. I have seen educated engineers and desperate job seekers fall for this equally.
In this CSNR Cyber Awareness guide, I break down the psychological trap they use and offer my personal verdict on why this scam is so effective.
The Trap: How They Hook You
The scam operates in 3 distinct phases. It is designed to gain your trust before stabbing you in the back.
The “Trust” Phase: You join a Telegram group. You are given 3 simple tasks (e.g., “Like this YouTube video”). You send a screenshot. They actually pay you ₹150 or ₹200 via UPI. You think, “Wow, this is real!”
The “Prepaid” Phase: Now they say, “To get higher paying tasks, you must upgrade to a Premium Merchant Task.” They ask you to invest ₹1,000 to get back ₹1,300. You do it. They pay you ₹1,300. Trust is now 100%.
The “Kill” Phase: They ask for ₹50,000 for a “Super VIP Task” promising ₹80,000 returns. You transfer the money. Suddenly, their system “freezes.” They demand another ₹50,000 to “unlock” your funds. You pay out of panic. Then… they block you.
My Opinion: Why We Fall for It (The Human Element)
As the founder of CSNR, I have analyzed hundreds of scams, but this one is the cruelest.
Here is the harsh truth: This scam doesn’t target your stupidity; it targets your desperation and greed.
I have spoken to a victim who was a housewife trying to earn extra money for her child’s tuition. When the scammers paid her that first ₹200, she felt validated. She felt capable. When they asked for the ₹50,000 investment, she didn’t see a risk; she saw a future where she was financially independent.
My Verdict: If a job asks YOU to pay money to work, it is ALWAYS a scam. Real employers pay you for your time. They never ask for a “Security Deposit” or “Prepaid Investment.”
If you are reading this and you have already paid ₹1,000… STOP. Take the loss. Do not pay another rupee hoping to get the first amount back. That is exactly what they want.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Job Offer
Communication App: Legitimate companies (Amazon, Flipkart, Google) will never hire you via Telegram or WhatsApp text. They use email or LinkedIn.
The “Prepaid” Demand: The moment anyone mentions “investing” money to get tasks, block them. This is the hallmark of a Ponzi scheme.
Urgency: They will say “This task expires in 10 minutes.” Real jobs have deadlines, but they don’t panic you into transferring money.
Crypto Transfers: Often, they will ask you to transfer the large amounts via USDT (Tether) or Crypto to avoid bank tracking.
Already transferred money via UPI? You have a small window to fix it. Read our guide on How to Recover Lost UPI Funds via 1930.
What to Do If You Are Victim?
If you are stuck in the “Kill Phase” where they are demanding more money to release your funds:
Do NOT Pay More: No matter what they say ( “System Error”, “Tax Clearance”), do not send a single paisa more. It is gone.
Screenshot Everything: Take screenshots of the Telegram chat, the Transaction IDs, and the “Receptionist’s” profile. Telegram allows users to “Delete for Everyone,” so save proof immediately.
File a Complaint: Go to CyberCrime.gov.in and file a complaint under “Financial Fraud.”
Conclusion: There is no such thing as “Easy Money.” The only people getting rich from “Liking Videos” are the scammers sitting in illegal call centers.
Protect your wallet. Protect your dignity.
