How did Indian men fall for the “getting women pregnant” scam?

In a unique cyber scam, men across India have become victims of the 'All India Pregnant Employment Service', which promises lucrative earnings for getting women pregnant.

The scam has already defrauded numerous people, and one of the victims, Mangesh Kumar, shared his harrowing experience.

Mangesh, lured by the lure of quick money, fell victim to the scam after coming across a video on Facebook. Scammers exploited the hopes of men seeking financial gain, offering substantial rewards for participating in seemingly absurd work. 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 and claimed that hundreds of people have fallen victim to this elaborate scam. However, many victims remain silent, probably due to feelings of shame.

Mangesh, a 33-year-old man with a modest income, lost Rs 16,000 to fraudsters. The scammers, posing as representatives of a Mumbai-based company, forced him to pay various fees, including court documents, security deposits 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 scammers continued to extort him, even claiming to have credited Rs 500,000 to his account. When he refused to pay more, they threatened him with income tax issues, causing him fear and distress.

The trained and educated perpetrators targeted victims from diverse backgrounds who lacked extensive education. Mangesh, who initially trusted the scammers due to forged identity cards and misleading photographs, is now dealing with financial losses and the fallout of the scam.

Cyber ​​law expert Pavan Duggal emphasizes the novelty of this scam, which combines the lure of free money and free sex. He notes that the rise in cybercrimes during the COVID-19 era requires greater 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, illustrating the challenges people face when they get caught up in such elaborate schemes. The impact of the scam extends beyond financial losses, causing emotional distress and strained relationships for those trapped by false promises.