In two separate incidents of cyber fraud, a Bengaluru man and a Mangaluru woman lost a combined ₹65 lakh to elaborate online scams involving cryptocurrency and fake job offers.
In the first case, a 34-year-old Ullal resident, Sharan PS (name changed), was conned out of ₹44.97 lakh while using a matrimonial website. On May 5, he started chatting with “Archana,” who claimed to be a German-based professional. Through emotional manipulation and false promises, she convinced him to invest in a fake crypto site, www.bitcoin-az.com.
Initially investing ₹1.5 lakh, Sharan was tricked by a dashboard showing fictitious profits. Enticed by constant messages and romantic chats, he made repeated transfers to various bank accounts and UPI IDs between May 18 and June 23. When he attempted to withdraw, “Archana” asked for more money and later disappeared. West CEN Police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
In another case, a Mangaluru woman lost ₹20.62 lakh in a part-time job scam. After responding to an Instagram ad on May 6, she was contacted via Telegram and asked to rate businesses online. To build trust, scammers initially paid her ₹120. Gradually, she was lured into high-value “tasks” through multiple Telegram groups and duped by fake recruiters under names like Meena Reddy and Lucky Singh.
Eventually, she transferred over ₹20 lakh before all communication ceased. A complaint has been filed at Bajpe Police Station.
Authorities warn citizens to stay alert online and verify sources before making financial transactions.