In separate online fraud cases in Udupi district, three people collectively lost over ₹10 lakh to cyber scammers operating job-related and KYC update schemes. Police have booked cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Information Technology Act.
Instagram job offer swindles woman of ₹7.63 lakh
Renuka, a local resident, fell victim to a job scam she found on Instagram on July 18. After connecting with fraudsters via WhatsApp and Telegram, she was lured into completing tasks in exchange for returns. Trusting them, she eventually transferred ₹7.63 lakh. The case is under investigation at Manipal Police Station under BNS Sections 316(2), 318(4), 319(2), and IT Act Sections 66(C) and 66(D).
Man loses ₹2.86 lakh to fake company job offer
Mallappa, also from Udupi, was conned by a scammer claiming to represent “Rent.com”. He transferred money in multiple transactions — ₹50,000 via UPI, ₹1.36 lakh, and ₹1 lakh via RTGS — for a non-existent job. A case is filed under BNS 318(4) and IT Act 66(D).
Credit card KYC scam drains ₹33,700
On July 31, Praveen received a fake SBI call asking him to update KYC. After submitting his OTP, ₹33,700 was debited from his credit card. A case is under Udupi Town Police.