Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RJP)
Udupi, May 7: Falling prey to online frauds is not a new thing. It happens on an everyday basis. Metilda Hilda D’Souza from Perampalli in Udupi district has lost around Rs 46 lacs in a 'gift' fraud. She has lodged a police complaint in this regard at Manipal police station.
Metilda was working in Israel when a person named Taylor Mike introduced himself to her through Facebook. Taylor told her through a Facebook message that he had paid for a Christmas gift for her which would arrive through Royal Express.
Metilda then received a phone call as well as a mail claiming to be from Royal Express, asking her to pay US $ 900 for the clearance of the parcel. Metilda deposited the amount into the account specified through Money Gram from Israel. Taylor Mike again demanded cash and Metilda obliged by sending US$ 2800 and $3700 to the account of a person named Nelly Wayne.
When Metilda came to India, again she received a phone call demanding Rs 1,40,000 relating to the same issue. She deposited the same into an account belonging to one Augustine Dee. The incident repeated later also.
The complainant claims in the police complaint that she sent a total of Rs 46 lacs in hope of getting the 'gift'.
Manipal police have registered a case under Sections (A) 66(D) and 66(C) of Information Technology Act 2008 and Section 420 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).