A 24-year-old woman from Bengaluru fell victim to an Instagram fraud after a man posing as an astrologer tricked her into paying over ₹6 lakh for fake rituals.

How the Scam Unfolded

  • The woman, an employee in Electronics City, found an Instagram profile claiming to offer astrological services with an Aghori baba’s image.
  • The fraudster, Vijay Kumar, promised to resolve obstacles in her love marriage through rituals.
  • Initial payment: ₹1,820 for a puja, but demands escalated as he claimed more ceremonies were required.
  • Over time, she transferred ₹5.9 lakh for multiple fraudulent rituals.

Threats & Legal Action

  • When the woman refused further payments, Kumar refunded ₹13,000 but then resorted to emotional blackmail, threatening to end his life.
  • A man posing as a lawyer called her, claiming Kumar was suicidal.
  • Realizing the fraud, she approached the Electronics City police, who registered a cybercrime case under the IT Act and BNS Section 318.

Key Takeaways

🚨 Beware of online astrologers & spiritual frauds.
⚠️ Verify sources before making payments.
🔍 Report suspicious activities to cyber police.

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