# Google Review Scam: 20 People Lose ₹1 Crore

> Over 20 people in Visakhapatnam lost ₹1 crore to Google review scams within a month.
- Title: Google Review Scam: 20 People Lose ₹1 Crore · mint | Shortify
- Summary: Over 20 people in Visakhapatnam lost ₹1 crore to Google review scams within a month. Fraudsters tricked victims with small payouts before demanding larger…
- Keywords: google review scam, visakhapatnam, google review, fraud, scam, withdrawal, credit score, telegram, frozen account, investment, news, india
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/money/personal-finance/google-review-scam-over-20-people-reportedly-lose-1-crore-in-a-month-5-warning-signs-to-watch-out-for-11792417803579.html
- Author: Kirti Jha
- Published: 2026-10-19T13:58:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: google review scam, visakhapatnam, google review, fraud, scam, withdrawal, credit score, telegram, frozen account, investment, news, india
## Google Review Scam Impact
Over 20 people in Visakhapatnam reportedly lost ₹1 crore in a month to a Google review scam.

> More than 20 people in Visakhapatnam reportedly lost ₹ 1 crore in a month to a Google Review job scam
## How the Scam Works
Fraudsters use small initial payouts to build trust before demanding larger deposits.

> Fraudsters used small initial payouts to build trust before demanding larger deposits
## Victim Case Details
A 38-year-old resident lost over ₹10 lakh after being approached via Telegram with fake money offers.

> In one case, a 38-year-old resident was allegedly cheated of more than ₹ 10 lakh after being approached through Telegram with offers to earn money by completing simple online tasks
## Scam Process
Victim received ₹120 per task, deposited ₹500 for ₹630, then invested ₹3,000 for ₹4,300.

> A person identifying himself as a customer manager initially paid the victim ₹ 120 per task. The victim was then encouraged to deposit money to earn higher returns. After depositing ₹ 500 and receiving ₹ 630, he reportedly invested ₹ 3,000 and received ₹ 4,300
## Account Freezing
Fraudsters claimed trading errors froze accounts and demanded additional payments to reactivate funds.

> The alleged operators then demanded additional payments to reactivate the account and release the funds. Another person, who presented himself as a withdrawal manager, reportedly asked for further deposits and claimed that the victim needed to improve his credit score before the money could be released
## Warning Signs
Claims of frozen accounts, trading errors, withdrawal processing or credit-score requirements should not be accepted without verification.

> Claims involving frozen accounts, trading errors, withdrawal processing or credit-score requirements should not be accepted without independent verification
## Police Action
Visakhapatnam city police registered a case for organised crime, cheating, impersonation and identity theft.

> Following complaints from victims, Visakhapatnam city police reportedly registered a case involving allegations of organised crime, cheating, impersonation and identity theft
## Consumer Advice
Do not pay to earn, trust initial payouts, stop when withdrawals are blocked, preserve evidence, report fraud promptly.

> Consumers should take the following precautions: Do not pay to earn: Be wary of jobs that require deposits to unlock tasks, commissions or higher-paying assignments.
## Key takeaway

Fraudsters tricked victims with small payouts before demanding larger deposits, freezing accounts and blocking withdrawals.