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TogglePicture yourself scrolling through Facebook and stumbling upon an ad that claims to buy your old coins at a fantastic price. It appears to be a simple method to earn some extra cash, doesn’t it? This was precisely the situation for a man from Mangaluru, who thought he had found a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, he was unaware that this seemingly innocent advertisement would lead him into a convoluted web of deception, costing him a staggering Rs 58.26 lakh.
The unfortunate series of events began on November 25, when the victim noticed a captivating advertisement on Facebook, enticing people to sell their old coins for a handsome sum. Intrigued by the prospect of making money, he contacted the WhatsApp number that was included in the ad.
Initially, the scammer asked him for a small amount of Rs 750 as a starting fee. Considering it to be a reasonable request, the victim made the payment via UPI, unwittingly setting the stage for a much larger loss.
Before long, the scammer demanded additional payments, claiming they were necessary for various fees like GST, insurance, TDS, and even a fictitious RBI notice. Trusting the process, the victim complied and continued to transfer funds through multiple methods, which included RTGS, NEFT, and further UPI transactions.
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The situation escalated on December 15 when the victim received a call from an individual impersonating Gaurav Shivaji Rao Shinde, who claimed to be the Commissioner of the Mumbai Cyber Police. The caller alleged that an RBI notice had been issued against the victim due to his recent financial transactions and threatened him with imminent arrest. Out of fear for his freedom, the victim transferred an additional Rs 9 lakh to a specified bank account.
As the extortion demands became increasingly aggressive, the victim’s instinct kicked in, and he began to suspect that something was amiss. When he dared to query the legitimacy of the calls and messages, the threats became even more severe. It was at this juncture that he realized he had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam.
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This disheartening case serves as a stark reminder of the treachery present in the realm of online scams. Criminals are continuously on the lookout for unsuspecting individuals to exploit their trust. To safeguard yourself from such treacherous tactics, always conduct thorough checks on the authenticity of advertisements and offers, particularly those that propose seemingly easy money-making opportunities. Be exceedingly cautious when asked to pay any upfront fees or if the deal appears too good to be true. Additionally, remain vigilant against suspicious calls or messages and refrain from sharing personal information or making any financial transactions without verifying their legitimacy. It is imperative to report such incidents to the relevant authorities without delay.