HIGHLIGHTS

A woman named Priya fell prey to a fraudulent astrologer on Instagram who promised marriage-related services.

The scammer threatened to harm himself when Priya sought a refund, further manipulating her emotions.

The police are pursuing the case, charging the perpetrator with cheating and online fraud.

In a shocking incident, a young woman from Bengaluru lost approximately Rs 6 lakh after becoming ensnared in a deceptive astrology scam conducted via Instagram. The victim, identified as 24-year-old Priya, was in search of matrimonial advice when she unwittingly paid a substantial amount for what she believed were legitimate astrological rituals and prayers.

Residing in Electronics City and employed at a private firm, Priya came across an Instagram profile named ‘splno1indianastrologer.’ This account impersonated a mystic known as an Aghori baba and claimed expertise in astrological predictions. Intrigued about her romantic prospects, Priya engaged in discussion with the profile’s owner, who introduced himself as Vijay Kumar.

After Priya willingly shared personal details, including her birth date, Kumar alerted her to supposed problems in her horoscope that could affect her future marriage. He suggested performing certain pujas to avert these predictions, initially soliciting a modest fee of Rs 1,820. Priya, trusting the supposed competence of the astrologer, made the payment through a digital transaction platform without any hesitation.

As the scheme progressed, Kumar continuously urged Priya to send additional funds for performing various rituals aimed at ensuring her happiness and well-being in married life. These requests escalated, and over time, Priya surrendered approximately Rs 6 lakh, believing that she was investing in her future.

The situation escalated when Priya decided to demand a refund. Reports indicated that Kumar did refund some of her money but not without resorting to manipulation; he issued alarming threats to harm himself, insisting she would bear the guilt for his potential suicide if she continued to press for her money back. This emotional coercion intensified when Priya received calls from a man identified as Prashant, who claimed to be Kumar’s lawyer. He further pressured Priya by insisting that Kumar was on the verge of ending his life due to mounting financial stress.

Feeling distraught and manipulated, Priya eventually turned to the law, filing a complaint under the Information Technology Act alongside Section 318 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating. The police are currently conducting an investigation into the matter; however, as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.

This incident serves as a critical reminder for social media users to exercise caution when confronted with unsolicited offers or individuals promising immediate solutions to complex life challenges. It’s vital to remain vigilant and skeptical of online interactions that seem too good to be true, particularly those that involve financial transactions.

Awareness and skepticism can serve as powerful tools in preventing future incidents of online fraud. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers, individuals can better equip themselves to recognize potential threats and protect their financial and emotional well-being.