The number of cybercrime cases in India has increased dramatically over the years. Job scams account for the highest number of reported cybercrimes in the country. Cybercriminals have found innovative ways to defraud people of their hard-earned money. Security agencies are constantly coming up with new solutions to combat these scams, but it is necessary to understand the methods they use to target innocent people. Recently, a user shared that he lost $3,000 (approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh) when he was scammed while looking for a new job.

Product designer Naved Alam shared his ordeal on X (formerly Twitter). He said he wanted to share his story so people would be aware of such online scams and not fall prey to these criminals. “Recently, I fell into a scam on Twitter and lost $3000. It all started with a hopeful opportunity – @crankybugatti on Twitter contacted me about a web3 communications app called @SocialSpectra Company for a design role,” the media user said in a screenshot of a conversation he had with a user about a potential job opportunity.

It started with a hopeful opportunity – @Crazy Bugatti People on Twitter contacted me about a design position at a company related to a web3 communications application called @SocialSpectra. pic.twitter.com/7cIwfMUWeK

— Navid Alam (@Navedux) March 31, 2024

Mr Alam said the conversation moved from X to Discord and he was asked basic questions. “The conversation moved to Discord, where things seemed legit. Basic design questions were asked, and they even seemed impressed with my work. Then came the request for a call from HR, and I got a link to join. I barely You know, it’s a trap,” he said.

He continued, “I downloaded what I thought was an intercom app for calls. Instead, it was malware that drained my @phantom wallet and liquidated my staked assets on @KaminoFinance.”

The product designer said that “very quickly” he lost his money to cybercriminals. He wrote on The job offer is genuine and never download anything unless you are absolutely sure of its source.”

Mr Alam also advised people to be careful as these cybercriminals “target designers and developers or any professional”.

His post has amassed over a hundred thousand views since being shared.

One user said: “I lost all my assets to similar scams. It’s hard to move on and trust cryptocurrencies again.”

Another user said: “Haha this guy is in my DMs as we speak.”

Another wrote, “I feel sorry for you bro. I had the same guy and the app crashed on my computer so couldn’t join the HR call and he said it was my fault I didn’t join the call so I filed another ticket, sensed something fishy there and immediately uninstalled it from my computer.”

“Sadly, I’ve had a similar experience with them,” one person commented.

One user added, “No matter how secure your technology is, humans are always the weakest link in the chain.”

“This guy contacted me too. When he redirected me to discord, I procrastinated and then forgot about it. Procrastinating saved my assets. Sorry for your loss, man. Stay safe out there,” another One X user said