Photo : Messenger
"Transform your life in just ten days with our training program and earn lakhs of taka from the comfort of your own home." "Make $100 a day, $3000 a month through freelancing and pave the way for a brighter future." These enticing advertisements, promising a pathway to self-sufficiency, are ubiquitous across the capital. However, beneath their veneer of opportunity lies a sinister deception. Countless individuals, particularly vulnerable students and unemployed youth, fall prey to these scams, losing fortunes in the process.
Most recently, the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the police apprehended an entire syndicate responsible for swindling vast sums of money from hundreds of individuals through such deceitful advertisements.
ATU Superintendent of Police Mahfuzul Alam Russell informed The-Daily Messenger that several victims had reported falling victim to a scam under the guise of freelancing training via our app.
“Subsequently, upon conducting a thorough investigation, we managed to apprehend a gang involved in perpetrating this fraud. The inquiry revealed alarming details surrounding this case. It became apparent that numerous other syndicates are exploiting unemployed young students, enticing them with tempting advertisements and ultimately extorting money from them.”
He further emphasised, "In our investigation, we have uncovered additional fraudulent organisations. Swift action is being taken against them." Additionally, he encouraged those affected by such deceitful institutions to lodge complaints through the ATU app, assuring them that appropriate measures will be taken.
According to reliable sources, freelancing has emerged as a highly sought-after profession in recent times. Numerous individuals are leveraging their creativity to earn a livelihood successfully through various freelancing platforms and marketplaces. Regrettably, exploiting the burgeoning popularity of freelancing, certain organisations are deceiving individuals and siphoning off substantial sums of money by masquerading as providers of legitimate courses.
It has come to light that through aggressive marketing tactics, enticing advertisements are being circulated, promising individuals the opportunity to earn $80 to $100 daily right from the outset. These advertisements are accompanied by fabricated video testimonials and posts, aimed at misleading potential victims. The scammers promote a CPA Digital Marketing Course, claiming to accept 300 participants per group and offering the course entirely free of charge online.
Upon registration, participants are added to online classes via Zoom links provided at specified times. During these classes, the scammers lure attendees with promises of lucrative offers, emphasising the potential to earn substantial sums of money through CPA marketing within a short period.
Subsequently, participants are pressured to pay 2500 taka each via Bkash, under the pretext of receiving access to premium Russian software tools purportedly essential for CPA marketing success. The scammers assert that payment of this amount is necessary for enrollment in the class.
Those interested are promised access to a combination of recorded and live CPA Marketing classes for free upon payment of Tk 2500 via Bkash. However, the premium tools promised are never provided as claimed.
Victims have revealed that these operations are nothing but elaborate schemes designed to deceive. Their sole objective is to exploit as many individuals as possible for financial gain. National gold medalist freelancer Nasim Ahmed, in an interview with The Daily Messenger, highlighted the burgeoning market for freelancers and the consequent surge in demand for training programs. Unfortunately, opportunistic fraudsters are exploiting this demand, shattering the dreams of aspiring freelancers in the process. Ahmed called for stringent punishment for these perpetrators of fraud. He also offered advice to those interested in pursuing training from such institutions, urging them to exercise caution and thoroughly research any organisation before enrolling.
Nazmul Islam, Superintendent of Police of DMP's Counter Terrorism Unit, has affirmed to The Daily Messenger that they are actively addressing the issue at hand. He expressed concern that at a time when the country is striving to empower unemployed youth through freelancing opportunities, fraudsters have emerged to exploit this sector. Assuring the public, he stated that they are diligently working on the matter and that these fraudsters will soon face legal consequences for their actions.
Messenger/Fameema
