A nurse in Mumbai lost Rs 1 lakh while attempting to purchase a dress priced at Rs 299 online, according to police officials. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber frauds targeting online shoppers.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim came across an advertisement on Facebook offering dresses at heavily discounted rates. Attracted by the offer, she clicked on the ad and was redirected to a website that appeared legitimate. After selecting a dress worth Rs 299, she proceeded to make the payment. She was then contacted via WhatsApp by a person claiming to be a customer service representative. The fraudster convinced her to make additional payments for processing fees, taxes, and delivery charges. Over several transactions, the nurse transferred a total of Rs 1 lakh to accounts provided by the scammer.
Role of the Fake Delivery Agent
To further the deception, a fake delivery agent was deployed. The agent called the victim, confirming that the package was ready for dispatch but required final clearance payments. This tactic lent credibility to the scam, prompting the nurse to continue transferring money. Eventually, when the dress never arrived and the WhatsApp number became unreachable, she realized she had been cheated and filed a complaint with the police.
Police Investigation Underway
An official stated that the preliminary investigation indicates the fraud was orchestrated using a Facebook advertisement, a WhatsApp number, and a fake delivery agent. Cybercrime teams are tracing the accounts used to receive the money and are working to identify the perpetrators. The police have urged the public to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and to verify the authenticity of online sellers before making payments.
This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with online shopping, especially on platforms that do not have robust buyer protection mechanisms. Consumers are advised to use trusted e-commerce websites and avoid making payments to unknown individuals via messaging apps.
