In a major breakthrough against digital fraud, Porvorim Police have arrested Jagdish Bokoliya, a Mumbai resident, for allegedly orchestrating a Rs9.5 lakh online job scam. The scheme lured victims into posting Google reviews for promised payments, which turned out to be a front for extracting large sums of money.
According to investigators, the Goa-based victim was approached via a Telegram channel, where Bokoliya and his associates offered Rs40 per Google review under the guise of a flexible online job. Initially, the victim received instructions and a small incentive, which helped build trust.
However, the scam escalated as the victim was gradually coerced into making multiple payments—under the pretense of unlocking higher-paying “bounty” tasks and enabling the withdrawal of earned commissions. Over a few days, the victim transferred a total of Rs9.5 lakh using GPay and ATM transactions.
Cyber Crime SP Rahul Gupta stated this modus operandi is part of a wider online fraud network in Goa and possibly beyond. The scam exploited psychological manipulation and created the illusion of legitimate online income. “These scammers target the unemployed, homemakers, and digitally vulnerable groups,” Gupta said.
The case fits a pattern seen in rising cybercrime cases:
Small initial payments to lure victims
Spoofed websites mimicking real platforms
Use of anonymous Telegram accounts and digital wallets
Demands for deposits and fake withdrawal fees
Police have seized digital evidence and are tracking financial trails, suspecting more people may be involved. Authorities are also issuing a public alert, urging people not to trust online job offers requiring upfront payments or registration fees.
The arrest of Bokoliya has sent shockwaves across Goa, prompting renewed calls for stronger cyber awareness campaigns. Investigators believe similar scams may be operating in other Indian states, replicating the model around Google reviews and passive income promises.
Law enforcement is calling for other victims to come forward to strengthen the case and help dismantle the larger network behind the fraud.
This case serves as a wake-up call in the digital age: not all online jobs are what they appear, and vigilance is the best defense against falling prey to well-crafted online traps.
