A 32-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru has become the victim of a sophisticated medical fraud that not only cost him ₹48 lakh but also caused significant damage to his kidneys. The elaborate scam involved fake doctors, fraudulent medical tests, and expensive but ineffective treatments for sexual wellness over a period of several months.
The Elaborate Medical Fraud Uncovered
The victim, whose identity remains protected, initially sought treatment for sexual wellness concerns in September 2023. He came across what appeared to be a legitimate medical service online, complete with professional-looking websites and convincing customer testimonials. The fraudsters operated through multiple entities including 'Fortune Healthcare', 'Wellbeing Pharmacy', and 'Ayurvedic store', creating an illusion of a comprehensive healthcare network.
The scammers employed a calculated strategy, beginning with basic consultations before escalating to more expensive treatments. They first convinced the techie to undergo various medical tests, then fabricated results showing serious health issues that required immediate and costly intervention. The fraudulent doctors prescribed expensive medications and treatments that ultimately proved ineffective and harmful.
Financial Drain and Health Consequences
Over several months, the victim made numerous payments totaling ₹48,10,884 to different accounts associated with the scam network. The payments were made through various digital payment methods between September 2023 and February 2024. Meanwhile, the prescribed treatments and medications began taking a severe toll on his health.
The situation reached a critical point when the victim developed serious kidney problems and sought treatment at a legitimate hospital. Medical examinations revealed that the fraudulent treatments had caused significant kidney damage, requiring proper medical attention. It was only then that he realized he had been victimized by an elaborate medical scam.
Police Investigation and Public Warning
The Bengaluru police have registered a case and are investigating the sophisticated fraud operation. Preliminary investigations suggest the scammers operated through multiple fake companies and used sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate. They created professional-looking websites and documentation to convince victims of their authenticity.
This case highlights the growing problem of medical fraud in India, particularly in the sensitive area of sexual wellness treatments. Experts warn that patients should always verify the credentials of healthcare providers and seek second opinions for major medical diagnoses. The police have advised the public to be cautious of online medical services that pressure patients into expensive treatments without proper diagnostic procedures.
The incident serves as a stark reminder about the dangers of unverified online medical services and the importance of thorough verification before undergoing any medical treatment, especially for conditions that patients might consider sensitive or embarrassing to discuss openly.
