Udupi: A 37-year-old woman was allegedly cheated of Rs 7.10 lakh in an online parcel scam after being befriended by a fraudster through social media.
According to the complaint filed with the police, the victim, identified as Rani, received a message on Facebook from an account under the name “Amadeo Luca” on February 4. The conversation later continued via Messenger and WhatsApp, during which the accused allegedly gained her trust.
Parcel claim and initial payment
On February 8, the accused reportedly called her and claimed that he had sent a parcel containing gold ornaments, a mobile phone and other valuable items. He further stated that the parcel also contained US dollars and that she was required to pay Rs 45,000 as processing charges to receive it.
Believing the claims to be genuine, she transferred Rs 45,000 to a bank account provided by the accused.
Repeated demands and escalating loss
Subsequently, the fraudsters allegedly continued to contact her through phone calls and messages, demanding additional payments towards customs clearance, taxes and other charges. Trusting their assurances that the parcel would soon be delivered, she transferred money in phases to multiple bank accounts shared by them.
In total, the woman lost Rs 7.10 lakh in the scam. When the parcel failed to arrive and the accused persisted in demanding more money, she realised that she had been cheated.
She then approached the CEN Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
Case registered under IT Act and BNS
The police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources, and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
An investigation has been initiated to trace the bank accounts used in the fraud and identify those involved in the scam. Police have urged the public to exercise caution while interacting with unknown persons on social media and to avoid transferring money based on unverified claims.
Cybercrime officials have reiterated that fraudsters often use emotional manipulation and attractive offers to lure victims into transferring money. Citizens are advised to verify information and report suspicious online activities promptly to prevent such incidents.