It didn’t begin with likes, follows, or small online tasks. This time, the bait was a game—a seemingly fun, harmless way to make money fast.
“Download this gaming app and win ₹5,000 in an hour! No investment. No risk. Real cash.”
That was the Instagram DM Payal Sawant, a 28-year-old marketing executive from Vadodara, received on a regular weekday night.
The message came from what looked like a promo account, filled with screenshots of UPI credits, cheering emojis, and dozens of user comments claiming wins.
She was intrigued. “Gaming and earning? I’ve done fantasy leagues before—how different could this be?”
So she replied, “How does it work?”
The reply came almost instantly.
“Install the app, join the Telegram group, and we’ll guide you. Complete the missions in-game and earn instantly. ₹200 will be credited to your UPI right now as a welcome bonus.”
And they did transfer ₹200—no strings attached. The app?
Surprisingly polished. Colorful, slick interface, tasks that looked like real mini-games or investment puzzles, and rewards that kept coming, initially.
“This is too smooth to be a scam,” Payal later told her friend.
But like many online cons, the hook was just the beginning.
Leveling Up… Into the Trap
Once hooked, things escalated quickly. The in-app missions turned into challenges requiring “entry deposits” to unlock higher rewards. Telegram admins—posing as support staff—encouraged Payal to invest ₹5,000 to reach “Pro Level,” promising up to ₹15,000 in returns.
The group was buzzing with users flaunting earnings:
“Made ₹32K today, best app ever!”
“UPI is working like a charm. Game on!”
Of course, all fake.
Payal started with ₹5,000. Then ₹10,000. Then ₹25,000. Each time, she received a message like:
“Sir, withdrawal request initiated. But due to a technical error, we need you to complete one last step.”
“Upgrade your account to unlock payout. ₹50,000 required just once.”
In days, she had transferred ₹11.27 lakh, believing his payout of ₹30+ lakh was just one step away.
The Reality Behind the “Game”
But behind that interface and cheerful Telegram chatter was a calculated con.
When Gujarat’s Cyber Crime Cell cracked the racket, they uncovered a sophisticated scam machinery:
- A fake gaming app cloned from genuine platforms.
- 51 mobile phones, 169 bank accounts, and dozens of Aadhaar cards used to move and mask funds.
- A team of handlers working in shifts, responding to victims, manipulating UPI transactions, and creating fake user engagement on Telegram.
- Connections traced to international operatives in Sri Lanka, Dubai, and likely China.
- Total estimated fraud: ₹2 crore in Gujarat alone, with over ₹190 crore reportedly duped across the country.
When officials raided the call center setup, it looked more like a BPO—rows of desks, fake documentation, high-speed internet, and young recruits trained to speak in scripts that mimic real customer service.
Seven people were arrested. Many more may never be caught.
Why It Worked
What makes this scam particularly disturbing is its psychology.
Unlike the typical “click-and-earn” cons, this one used gaming mechanics—points, levels, group dynamics, and progression—to pull people in. It didn’t feel like a scam. It felt like a system. You played, you earned. Until you didn’t.
The social proof in Telegram groups, instant UPI payouts, and fast customer responses all made it feel real. They weren’t just scamming—they were running a performance.
What Happened to Payal?
Eventually, Payal grew suspicious and stopped sending money. But by then, it was too late. The “support” team stopped replying.
His UPI transfer screenshots were left unread. The game was over.
She filed a complaint with the Gujarat Police, and his testimony helped investigators trace parts of the scam. But like most victims, the money is likely gone for good.
Final Thoughts
The worst part? Apps like these don’t live long, but they’re quickly reborn. Change the name, reskin the UI, make a new Telegram group, and boom—it’s live again, ready to trap someone new.
If you’re promised money for playing a game, investing in levels, or joining VIP groups, pause. Research.
Talk to someone. And never assume quick money means easy money.
Because sometimes, you’re not playing the game—the game is playing you.
