Mangaluru: A 57-year-old woman from the city has fallen victim to an online fraud, losing ₹13.38 lakh to scammers who impersonated a London-based woman and her associates in a carefully crafted deception that unfolded over several months.
Fraud begins with Facebook reels interaction
According to the complaint, the woman first came into contact with a person identifying herself as Lillian Mary George while watching reels on Facebook in February. The individual claimed to be from London and began chatting with the victim, gradually gaining her confidence. Over time, the frequent conversations created a sense of trust that the fraudsters later exploited.
On 15 November, the complainant received a call from a woman named Sonali Gupta, who claimed that Lillian had just arrived at Mumbai International Airport. Gupta further informed the complainant that Lillian was carrying £25,000 in traveller’s cheques and 1 kg of gold—together valued at nearly ₹30 lakh—that were supposedly meant for the complainant.
Scammers demand money under various pretexts
Believing the story, the complainant continued interacting with the callers. The fraudsters then began citing a series of issues allegedly faced at the airport, including problems related to currency exchange registration, customs declaration, and even fabricated money laundering charges. Each time, they insisted that certain payments had to be made immediately to resolve the matter.
The group provided multiple bank account numbers and pressured the victim to transfer money, claiming the delay would worsen Lillian’s situation and prevent the release of the valuables.
Unable to recognise the fraud, the complainant transferred a total of ₹13.38 lakh in several instalments.
No promised refund
Once the transactions were completed, the victim repeatedly contacted the fraudsters about the promised handover of money and gold. They assured her that the amount would be refunded within two days. However, no refund came, and attempts to reach them later proved unsuccessful, confirming that she had been duped.
Case registered; investigation underway
The woman filed a complaint at the Mangaluru East Police Station. Police have registered a case and begun tracing the bank accounts and phone numbers used in the fraud. Officers are examining whether the fraudsters are part of a larger interstate or international cybercrime network operating through social media platforms.
Investigators have urged the public to remain cautious about unsolicited online friendships, especially those involving monetary offers from strangers claiming foreign connections.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the growing number of social-media-based scams in which fraudsters emotionally manipulate victims before exploiting them financially. Police continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits while also reminding citizens to report suspicious online interactions promptly.