Videos of various celebrities, originally created for unrelated purposes, are being edited and used on Facebook to promote several scam websites. These videos claim that by creating an account and investing money on these sites, users can earn a specific daily income simply by watching advertisements, commensurate with their investment amount. Believing these edited videos to be authentic, many individuals are creating accounts, depositing money on these websites, and subsequently falling victim to fraud. 

The Dissent began its investigation following a promotional video on Facebook for a website named robiseba.com. Searching for related keywords based on the video's caption led to the discovery of many similar promotional videos for other websites. 

Through these videos, The Dissent identified a total of 12 such fraudulent websites: Robiseba.com, ovi777.com, www.seba9.com, finfare9.com, ctyloen.com, easycash9.com, citylone11.com, bdlon99.com, bkash0.com, www.gpt79.com, www.robi77.com and www.itbd7.com. 

Promotion via Edited Videos of Online Personalities

Snippets of video speeches given by various celebrities, religious speakers, and content creators on other subjects are being trimmed and used in promotional videos for these websites on Facebook. As a result, those with less understanding of technology are believing these edited videos to be true, opening accounts on these websites, depositing money, and being defrauded. 

For instance, musician Tasrif Khan is seen speaking in one such video, saying: “Do you actually have any desire regarding your career or earnings? If not, then this video is not for you. You can choose to skip it. In Bangladesh, earning is necessary to solve the massive problem of unemployment. For that, we need to work hard and give time. You didn't skip the video, which means you have a significant interest in your career. By watching this video, you can get a very good idea about earning. It is important for your career. Additionally, and most importantly, by watching the video you can get a very good idea. Now you know what you actually need to do. So do it.”

The video then promotes a website called Robiseba.com, claiming that daily income can be earned by depositing a certain amount of money and watching advertisements.

Verification, however, revealed that the promotion for the Robiseba website was created by cutting and newly splicing together parts of a promotional video published on Tasrif Khan's official Facebook page on January 10, 2025. 

In his original video, Tasrif Khan was discussing participation in a one-taka freelancing course and a free seminar offered by an organization named ‘SR Dream It’. The promotional video for Robiseba was constructed by cutting the first 8 seconds, 22 to 30 seconds, 43 to 46 seconds, 1 minute 46 to 47 seconds, 2 minutes 3 to 7 seconds, and 2 minutes 34 to 37 seconds of the original 2-minute 41-second video and joining them together.

Similarly, Abrarul Haque Asif, a religious speaker and online personality, is seen saying in another video: “It is possible to earn millions of takas sitting at home with this smartphone. When you watch these videos, you will be motivated. You will definitely be motivated, Insha'Allah. I have tried to say something for the youth. Please spread these positive messages to everyone, share them. Maybe one of your shares can change someone's life.” 

The video then instructs users to open an account on a website named www.gpt79.com. Essentially, excerpts from multiple speeches by Abrarul Haque Asif on different topics were used out of context in this promotion. In a sermon, while speaking about unemployment, he had mentioned that it is possible to earn millions of takas using a smartphone. Additionally, parts of the video were cut from another interview with RJ Nirob to create the promotional video. 

Furthermore, Tech Review content creator Samzone is seen saying in a video: “You can earn money with a mobile app without doing any work at all. Yes, genuinely, the money will come to your phone. It will come straight into your account. Believe me, they will give you money. A younger brother of mine received money this way. Look, right now there are many apps, many ads will come up—you can earn money by using those or doing small tasks. Realistically, I haven't seen anyone earn money like that with a phone. But with the app I am talking about, you can earn money.” The video then mentions a website named ovi777.com. 

However, verification showed the video to be edited and misleading. The promotional video for the website was created by cutting the first 8 seconds and the portions from 2 minutes 44 seconds to 3 minutes 13 seconds of a cautionary video about online scams, published on May 8, 2023, and splicing them into the new video.

Anatomy of the Scams

To understand what happens on these websites, an account was opened on the http://Robiseba.com website mentioned in the edited video featuring Tasrif Khan, using a name and mobile number. A profile was created, and a 100 taka bonus balance was immediately shown. When an attempt was made to withdraw the 100 taka, a message indicated that a minimum of 500 taka must be available for withdrawal. Users were therefore prompted to deposit money first.

The website displays various deposit packages ranging from 500 taka to 50,000 taka. Each package is set for a 60-day period. The 500 taka package claims users can earn 300 taka daily by watching 3 advertisements. The 1,000 taka package claims 600 taka daily for watching 6 ads, the 1,500 taka package claims 900 taka for 9 ads, and the 2,000 taka package claims 1,200 taka for 12 ads. 

Similarly, the 3,000 taka package promises 1,800 taka for watching 18 ads, the 4,000 taka package promises 2,400 taka for 24 ads, and the 5,000 taka package promises 3,000 taka for 30 ads. Furthermore, the 10,000 taka package claims a daily income of 6,000 taka for watching 60 ads, the 15,000 taka package claims 9,000 taka for 90 ads, the 20,000 taka package claims 12,000 taka for 120 ads, the 35,000 taka package claims 20,000 taka for 200 ads, and the 50,000 taka package claims 25,000 taka for watching 250 ads.

Fake Verified Agents and Trade Licenses

The website displays four ID cards under the heading “Verified Agent” claiming them to be official agent IDs for the "Robiseba" organization. Each card includes an agent’s photo, name, designation, and location.

The cards feature the phrases “Official Agent ID” and “Government Approved” at the top. The bottom section uses a barcode, some numbers, and a logo resembling that of the “ICT Division.” A green “Verified” badge is attached next to each ID, an attempt to present them as trustworthy.

One card shows a photo of a person named Md. Mizanur Rahman, listed with the designation “Senior Service Agent” and the location “Dhaka, Bangladesh.” 

However, verification revealed the identity to be fake. The person in the photo is Mesbah Munna, not Mizanur Rahman. The Robiseba website reportedly took a photo of Mesbah Munna, an author, from Wikimedia and used a fictitious name to introduce him as a verified agent. 

The Dissent contacted Mesbah Munna, whose name was retrieved from his Wikimedia profile. Munna stated, “I had a profile on Wikimedia. I used to write there. I realized later that they took the photo from there. And if you search for 'passport size pic' my photo appears on Google Search. This is probably why they got the photo.” He also confirmed that he has no connection to the website.

Another verified agent, Md. Julhas Uddin, is also listed on the website. Verification showed this identity to be fake as well. The person in this photo is Md. Washim Ali. He is actually a graphics designer. His photo was taken from his Facebook page, HyperDesign, and presented as a Robiseba verified agent. 

The website also lists a verified agent named Saikat Alam. Verification revealed this to be a false identity. The person in the photo is Md. Shazim Uddin, a lecturer of Information and Communication Technology at Madrasatul Banat Al Islamia Alim Bhodrodanga Madrasa in Bagharpara, Jashore. His photo was reportedly taken from Shikkhok Batayan and passed off as Shoikot Alam. 

When contacted, Md. Shazim Uddin confirmed that his photo was taken from the website, stating, "My photo appears when searching for 'passport size photo' on Google. I think they took the photo from there." He also stated that he is not associated with any website or organization named Robiseba. 

Additionally, an ID card for another verified agent named Md. Arman Hasan is displayed. A reverse image search revealed the photo on the website of an educational counseling and student support institution in Assam, India . The file name suggests it is a photo of one of the institution's students.

The website also displays a photo of a so-called license, claiming to be a "Trade License approved by the Government of Bangladesh." The license shows a picture of Md. Arif Hossain. However, verification revealed this identity to be fake; the photo was sourced from a Pinterest profile belonging to Saqlain Cheema. 

Fabricated Comments to Build Credibility

To establish credibility and build public trust in the fraudulent websites, fabricated testimonials claiming financial gain are being deployed in the comment sections of promotional Facebook videos. A video promoting the Robiseba website was produced by a page identified as Seba 0nline income Bd.

In the video’s comment section, an account using the name Mst Setu commented, “I took a package worth 20,000 taka. Returns started within two days. Regular income of 10,000 taka. Trustworthy.” Another account, Mst Keya, posted, “I invested 20 thousand taka and am working. I am amazed by the results. The money was recovered in two days. Now I have a regular income.” A third profile, Nodi Akter, claimed: “I took a membership for 3,000 taka. I get 1,700 taka income every day. It takes less time. The return is very good.” An account under the name Sophia Olivia commented: “Initially I worked on a small package. Later I upgraded to a larger package. The income is much higher than before. I am receiving money regularly.” Finally, an ID named EMAIN posted: “I invested 1,000 taka in this package. I am receiving 600 taka regularly every day. The money arrives on time. There was no problem with withdrawal.”

Examination of these accounts showed they did not use photographs of real individuals, which is a typical characteristic of inauthentic profiles. Furthermore, the timelines of these profiles were largely devoid of any posts. Crucially, all comments from these accounts were posted simultaneously at 8:05 PM on April 16, indicating coordinated and manufactured activity.

Bogus Office Address

The Robiseba website lists its headquarters address as Level 5, Corporate Tower, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1200. Verification showed the address to be fraudulent; no Corporate Tower could be located in Motijheel. Furthermore, the website provides the WhatsApp number 01313520892 for its customer support center. However, calls and messages to this number received no response.

Payments Accepted via bKash, Nagad, and Rocket

The Robiseba website accepts money deposits through bKash, Nagad, and Rocket. The numbers provided for sending money are: bKash: 01833526799, Nagad: 01607370266, and Rocket: 01352012087. 

Many Have Been Defrauded

Abu Taher, who works a security job, deposited 500 taka on the Robiseba website hoping for extra income. He told The Dissent, "I opened an account on that website on April 21 after watching the video. Since the website had 'Robi' written on it, I thought it might be something related to the Robi company. After opening the account, I deposited 500 taka, but the money has not been credited to my account; it shows 'Pending.' Subsequently, I tried to contact them through their support email and WhatsApp number but could not reach anyone."

Ayesha Akter Mohona reported a similar experience. She told The Dissent, "I opened an account and deposited 500 taka exactly as they instructed. But ever since the deposit, it shows 'Pending' and the money hasn't been added yet. They didn't tell me anything; I believed it because the video seemed real. Then I followed the instructions in the video for opening an account and depositing money. Initially, it said 'Pending,' and I thought the money would be added later. But three or four days have passed, and there has been no change yet."

Mohiuddin Raju also deposited 500 taka on the Robiseba website after watching the edited video featuring Tasrif Khan. He told The Dissent, “I gave them the money exactly as described in the video that day. But they kept it in 'Pending' and did nothing. Later, when I messaged their page, someone told me that I would need to give another 2,000 taka to activate my account. In return for that 2,000 taka, they claimed I would get something like 4,000 or 600–800 taka. But the problem is, they said one thing initially, and now they are saying something else after I paid the money. Isn't this fraud?”

Additionally, Mohammad Rihan wrote a warning while sharing a promotional video for a website named robi9.com featuring content creator Samzone: “Don't put money in based on his words. They don't give any money here; it's all lies. You will send money, but they won't credit any deposit. This is all swindling. They took my 1,000 taka and are now behaving badly towards me.”

The Dissent attempted to contact the individuals whose videos were edited and used in the promotional videos—Tasrif Khan, Abrarul Haque Asif, and Samzone—by calling their social media contact numbers and emailing them for comment. 

No statement was received from Tasrif Khan up until the publication of this report. Abrarul Haque Asif responded via email, stating that he did not participate in any such advertisement. 

While no statement was received from Samzone, a cautionary video regarding the circulated video was found. In this video, posted on October 9, 2024, he said: “You must be seeing a video, at the beginning of which I say a few words that you can earn money with a mobile phone. I had previously made a video about a scammer, talking about how they offer tempting deals like earning money with a mobile phone—that kind of talk. I was saying that to explain it. This scammer cut out that part and put it at the beginning of their video. And this video has nearly three million views, and it asks people to invest. Many people are investing and getting caught. So this is totally a scam. We have already filed a General Diary (GD) at the police station.”