Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 15: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a retired man in Mangaluru was duped of a staggering Rs 58 lac after being promised a fortune for his old coins.

The victim, who had settled in Katipalla near Surathkal after working abroad, owned 15 rare coins and was lured by a Facebook ad claiming they could fetch millions.

Representational image

The scammers, posing as potential buyers, first contacted the victim on WhatsApp, offering to pay him Rs 49 lac in exchange for the coins. They tricked him into paying Rs 750 for RBI registration, followed by a series of fake charges, including Rs 3.5 lac for RBI fees, GST, and IT returns.

The fraudsters went a step further, pretending to be Gaurav Shivaji Rao Shinde, the Cyber Police Commissioner of Mumbai, and threatened the victim with arrest. They demanded an additional Rs 12.55 lac to avoid legal action, promising that the entire payment would be refunded within an hour.

In the end, the scammers successfully transferred a total of Rs 58,26,399 into their bank accounts. The victim, realising he had been conned, filed a complaint at Mangaluru CEN police station, where an investigation is underway.

How to stay safe

Vigilance is the key to avoiding such scams. If you receive such calls, never fall for the trap. Remember, police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money.

Most importantly, the term “digital arrest” is fabricated by scammers and does not exist in Indian law. If someone threatens you with it, it is undoubtedly a scam.

Additionally, never share bank details, OTPs, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages, regardless of the caller’s claims. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities and your bank immediately. Quick action can help prevent further losses.