Tumkur: In a distressing turn of events, VR Rajanna, a resident of Shiragate, has been duped out of ₹14.12 lakh by an online scam. The scam emerged when Rajanna, engaged in a house construction project, was enticed by an advertisement offering discounted iron prices for construction purposes.
Rajanna encountered an advertisement for ‘Vizak Steel’ on Google, which promised significant discounts on iron. Intrigued by the offer, he contacted the company and received a quotation for 29 tonnes of iron. The deal seemed legitimate, leading Rajanna to transfer the total amount of ₹14,12,866 through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) as instructed by the company.
Despite completing the payment, Rajanna faced an alarming lack of response. After the transfer, he attempted to reach the company numerous times to confirm the delivery or request a refund. His efforts proved futile, as neither the iron nor any refund materialized.
Realising he had fallen victim to a fraud, Rajanna reported the incident to the local cybercrime station. His complaint has been registered, and an investigation is underway to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
This incident highlights a growing trend of online scams targeting individuals through seemingly credible offers. Fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated tactics to lure victims into financial traps. Rajanna’s experience underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of online deals and companies before making substantial financial transactions.
As online transactions become more commonplace, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant. Scammers often exploit the anonymity of the internet to conduct fraudulent activities. Potential red flags include companies that request payment through unconventional methods or those with limited contact information.
To protect oneself from similar scams, it is advisable to conduct thorough research on the companies and offers encountered online. Checking for customer reviews, verifying business credentials, and using secure payment methods can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.
The scam targeting Rajanna serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of online frauds. As investigations continue, the authorities aim to address the growing issue of online scams and prevent further incidents. Rajanna’s unfortunate experience emphasizes the need for caution and due diligence in online transactions.