What began as a simple complaint over a missing bottle of tender coconut water ended in a costly lesson for a 71-year-old woman, who was allegedly cheated of nearly Rs 95,000 by cyber fraudsters posing as customer care executives.
The victim, a homemaker residing with her husband at an ashram in Vidyamanyanagar, Andrahalli, approached police after the fraud took place on June 8.
Refund request turns into cyber trap
According to the complaint, the woman had ordered two bottles of tender coconut water through a quick-commerce platform and paid Rs 188. However, only one bottle was delivered.
Believing she could seek a refund as she had successfully done in the past, she searched online for a customer care number and contacted a person who claimed to be a company representative.
The caller assured her that the refund would be processed and sent a link via WhatsApp. He then instructed her to open her digital payment application and follow a series of steps, claiming it was necessary to credit the refund amount.
Nearly Rs 95,000 debited
Instead of receiving money, the woman found that Rs 94,830 had been debited from her bank account. Sensing fraud, she immediately disconnected the call.
Shortly afterwards, another caller allegedly attempted to obtain additional banking details, but the woman refused to cooperate.
With the help of a friend, she contacted the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and reported the incident.
Police launch investigation
Officials initiated measures to freeze the fraudsters’ account, but only Rs 49,000 reportedly remained by then. A case has been registered at Byadarahalli Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
Police have once again urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to verify customer care numbers through official websites and never share banking credentials or authorise transactions while seeking refunds.