Olpe district. A 48-year-old man filed a report at the Olpe police station on Friday, August 2, due to fraud by an internet service provider. According to him, he was contacted via the messaging service Telegram. He was promised lucrative additional income as a hotel reviewer.
He contacted the unknown provider and gave his contact details. He was then contacted by an unknown woman. He was presented with an earning system in which he was asked to write reviews. To do this, he was first asked to transfer a sum of money, then write a review and then he would receive a multiple of the amount previously paid.
At first, the man actually earned money, but he noticed that he had to transfer larger and larger amounts to receive further orders. Eventually, he stopped receiving any money. He noticed the fraud and reported it.
The police are aware of these and similar scams. Whether via Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook or even SMS – the scam is always similar. Criminals promise those who receive messages that they can increase their own income without much effort – and with little time investment.
The promise is always the same: job applicants are asked to complete tasks such as writing reviews for hotels, apps or products. In return, they receive credit on an account that they have previously created on a platform.
The number of available orders then decreases quickly. In order to receive more orders, money deposits are required. The model is initially worthwhile for the victims. However, if those affected then want to get their money, they are asked to make further payments.
- Be careful if you are offered work through a messenger service even though you are not looking for work.
- Be careful with job offers that promise lucrative value for minimal effort.
- Do not pay in advance to receive a salary.
- Check websites, platform providers and companies for authenticity.
- If you have become a victim of such a scam, go to the police immediately to file a report.
