In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, three individuals fell victim to online fraud, losing a total of Rs 16.8 lakh. One man alleged that he lost Rs 6.6 lakh after receiving a coupon by post, claiming he had won a cash prize. In April, the complainant received a message with a Meesho cash prize coupon worth Rs 14.8 lakh, including a mobile phone number.
When the complainant called the number, he was asked for his bank details and identity card, which he shared via WhatsApp. He later received a call instructing him to pay for TDS, GST, NOC, and other charges to claim the cash prize. The victim subsequently transferred Rs 6.6 lakh to various accounts, but the fraudsters neither returned the money nor handed over the cash reward. A case has been registered under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act.
In another incident, a woman fell prey to an online job scam. She stated in her complaint that while looking for a work-from-home job, she received a message on the Telegram app. On April 11, a person contacted her, and following their instructions, she deposited Rs 9.2 lakh into various accounts in phases. A case has been registered at Bantwal Town police station under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act.
Meanwhile, in Udupi, another woman lost Rs 95,000 in a job scam. Unknown individuals contacted her daughter via the Telegram app, promising her a job and instructing her to deposit Rs 95,000. Between June 10 and 15, her daughter transferred Rs 70,000 from her mother’s account and Rs 25,000 from her own account. A case has been registered under Section 66(D) of the IT Act in Bramhavar police station.