Haveri district has witnessed a surge in online fraud cases, resulting in a total loss of Rs 57.6 lakh in just three recent incidents. The cyber economic and narcotics crime (CEN) police station in Haveri has received complaints and initiated investigations into these fraudulent activities.
In one case, Raghavendra Melagiri, representing Prabhanjan Creations Private Limited, fell victim to fraudsters claiming to set up branches across Karnataka. He lost Rs 47.2 lakh after being misled into making payments for various charges under the pretext of obtaining collateral-free loans.
Another victim, Manoj Hadimani, lost Rs 5.8 lakh after investing in a fraudulent share market scheme promising high daily profits. Similarly, Dr. Malakajayya Hiremath, a government doctor, lost Rs 4.5 lakh in a fake share trading scheme orchestrated by fraudsters posing as representatives of a trading app.
Police have cautioned against trusting unknown online platforms and urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with financial transactions online. They emphasized the prevalence of fake profiles and fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly in remote areas.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to raise awareness about these scams and advise vigilance to prevent further financial losses among residents of Haveri district.