How Indian men fell victim to ‘women impregnation’ scam?

In a unique cyber scam, men across India have fallen prey to the ‘All India Pregnant Job Service’, which promises lucrative returns to pregnant women.

The scammer has already duped many people, with one victim, Mangesh Kumar, sharing his horrific experience.

Lured by the lure of quick money, Mangesh fell victim to the scam after coming across a video on Facebook. Scammers preyed on the hopes of men seeking financial gain by offering substantial rewards for their participation in a seemingly senseless job. The promise included a substantial payment and a night in a hotel with a childless woman.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kalyan Anand revealed the extent of the scam, stating that hundreds have fallen victim to this elaborate scam. However, many victims remain silent, likely out of shame.

Mangesh, a 33-year-old earning a modest income, lost Rs 16,000 to the scammers. The fraudsters, posing as the representatives of a Mumbai-based company, forced him to pay various fees, including court papers, security and goods and services tax (GST). The fake documents included an official-looking ‘Baby Birth Agreement’ and a misleading ‘pregnancy verification form’.

Despite Mangesh’s repeated requests for the promised money, the fraudsters continued to blackmail him, even claiming to have credited 500,000 rupees to his account. When he refused to pay further, they threatened him with income tax matters, causing fear and distress.

The perpetrators, skilled and educated, targeted victims from diverse backgrounds who lacked extensive education. Mangesh, initially trusting the fraudsters due to fake IDs and misleading photos, now struggles with financial loss and the consequences of the fraud.

Cyber ​​expert Pavan Duggal highlights the novelty of this scam, combining the lure of free money and free sex. He notes that the increase in cybercrime in the era of COVID-19 calls for increased awareness and proactive measures by the government and the private sector to protect citizens.

As Mangesh’s plight continues, he remains trapped in the scam, depicting the challenges individuals face when caught up in such elaborate schemes. The impact of fraud extends beyond financial losses, causing emotional distress and strained relationships for those ensnared by false promises.