Imagine scrolling through Facebook and stumbling upon an ad that promises to buy your old coins for an attractive price. It seems like an effortless way to earn some extra cash, right? This was precisely what a man from Mangaluru thought when he encountered such an advertisement. Unfortunately, what appeared to be a golden opportunity turned into a financial nightmare, costing him a staggering Rs 58.26 lakh.
The ordeal began on November 25 when the victim saw an enticing advertisement on Facebook that offered to buy old coins at a great price. Intrigued, he reached out to the WhatsApp number provided in the ad.
The scammer initially requested a small fee of Rs 750 to commence the process. Trusting this was a reasonable charge, the victim transferred the money via UPI. However, this was merely the tip of the iceberg.
How the Scam Unfolded
In no time, he was asked to pay more, citing various fees such as GST, insurance, TDS, and even an RBI notice. Convinced that these payments were essential, the victim continued to transfer money through various methods, including RTGS, NEFT, and UPI.
Things escalated on December 15 when he received a call from someone claiming to be Gaurav Shivaji Rao Shinde, the Mumbai Cyber Police Commissioner. The caller informed him of an RBI notice against him due to his financial transactions and threatened him with arrest. In a panic, the victim transferred an additional Rs 9 lakh to a bank account.
How to Avoid Such Scams
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of similar scams, always verify the legitimacy of offers before making any payments. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics and unsolicited calls that create fear. Research the company or individual making the offer and read reviews. For those looking to buy or sell items, consider using platforms like Looffers.com, where transactions are safer and verified.
Stay informed and vigilant to safeguard your hard-earned money from cunning scams!
