Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 26: A fraud worth Rs 13.38 lac was allegedly carried out at an airport after the victims were falsely told they needed to pay customs duty, a case registered at Kadri police station revealed.

According to the complaint, the victims connected with a woman named Lillian Mary George from London through Facebook in February and began chatting with her. In November, Lillian informed them that she would be arriving in India with a consignment of money.

On November 15, a woman named Sonali Gupta contacted the victims, claiming that Lillian Mary George had arrived at Mumbai airport. Sonali alleged that Lillian had brought traveller’s cheques worth £25,000 and 1 kg of gold, which would amount to roughly Rs 30 lac in Indian currency, and handed over a courier on the victims’ behalf. Lillian reportedly assured that the money would be handed over during their meeting.

Sonali then instructed the victims to transfer money to various bank accounts, citing several reasons, including exchange registration, discount charges, customs declaration formalities, and money-laundering issues. Following her directions, the victims transferred a total of Rs 13,38,900 in multiple instalments between November 15 and 18.

When they later sought the return of the funds, Lillian assured them it would be refunded within two days. However, with no further response from her, the victims realised they had been defrauded and subsequently lodged a complaint with Kadri police.

The case highlights a sophisticated online and airport-linked scam, with authorities now investigating the incident.