A resident of Mangaluru was duped of Rs 58.26 lakh after trying to sell antique coins online. The ordeal began with a Facebook ad promising high returns for old coins. Responding to the ad, the victim contacted a WhatsApp number and sold 15 coins, unaware he was walking into a well-organized scam.
The Enticing Offer
The victim’s troubles started on November 25 when he followed the ad’s instructions. The fraudster requested an initial payment of Rs 750, claiming it was necessary to initiate the transaction. Believing the amount was trivial, the victim paid via UPI. This opened the floodgates to more demands for payments, labeled as charges for GST, TDS, insurance, and even a purported RBI notification. Trusting these explanations, he transferred money through UPI, RTGS, and NEFT.
The Fake Police Threat
On December 15, the fraud escalated when a scammer impersonating the Mumbai Cyber Police Commissioner called, introducing himself as Gaurav Shivaji Rao Shinde. The caller falsely claimed an RBI notice had been issued and threatened arrest unless Rs 9 lakh was deposited into a DCB Bank account.
The Truth Unfolds
When the demands became relentless, the victim grew suspicious and began questioning their legitimacy. As threats intensified, he realized he had been conned, losing Rs 58.26 lakh to the syndicate.
A Cautionary Tale
This incident highlights how scammers exploit the lure of easy money. Always verify online offers and avoid transactions that seem too good to be true.
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