Gujarat Tourists Fall Victim to Rs 1.2 Lakh Escort Service Scam in Goa
In a distressing incident highlighting the risks of online fraud, three tourists from Gujarat were recently cheated and extorted of Rs 1.2 lakh by an escort service scam while holidaying in Goa. The case, which has drawn attention to digital deception in tourist hotspots, unfolded in Calangute, a popular coastal destination.
Complaint Lodged by Surat Resident
Yash Shah, a resident of Surat, Gujarat, has officially lodged a complaint with the Calangute police regarding the scam. According to his statement, he and his friends, Moksh Hardik and Aagam Vijaybhai, contacted an unknown individual online to arrange escort services during their vacation. The group, seeking companionship, engaged with the accused through digital platforms, unaware of the impending fraud.
Deal Finalised and Initial Payment
The tourists and the accused person finalised a deal amounting to Rs 15,000 for three escort girls. As part of the agreement, photographs were exchanged to confirm the identities of the women involved. This step, intended to build trust, instead set the stage for the subsequent cheating. The payment was made, expecting the services as promised.
Scene at the Hotel and Extortion
Upon arrival, only two women showed up at the hotel, and they were noticeably different from the photographs previously shared. This discrepancy immediately raised suspicions. Subsequently, the two women, allegedly acting with common intention, entered the room and created a disruptive scene. They then threatened to falsely implicate the complainant and his friends in legal issues unless additional money was paid.
Under duress, the tourists handed over Rs 1.2 lakh to the women, who then swiftly escaped from the hotel premises. The incident, which occurred before January 11, has left the victims shaken and financially burdened, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by tourists in unfamiliar settings.
Police Action and Investigation
The Calangute police have registered a case under charges of cheating and extortion against three unidentified persons involved in the scam. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to trace the accused, emphasizing the seriousness with which such crimes are being addressed. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case serves as a stark reminder for tourists to exercise caution when engaging with online services, especially in leisure destinations. It also highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating digital fraud schemes that exploit unsuspecting individuals.
