A city-based retail trader in Indore has allegedly lost more than Rs 1.36 lakh to cyber fraudsters after downloading a loan application through a social media advertisement. The accused later blackmailed him by threatening to circulate morphed photographs and personal data among his relatives and contacts.
Banganga police have registered an FIR and started an investigation into the case. The trader, identified as Rahul Giri, approached the police station on Wednesday and alleged that he had downloaded a loan app named Sweet Money in February after seeing its advertisement on social media. He stated that he needed money for personal reasons and clicked on the link provided in the advertisement.
After downloading the app, the accused allegedly collected his Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank account details. Soon after, approximately Rs 4,000 was transferred into his account as the loan amount. However, a few days later, Rahul started receiving WhatsApp calls and messages from different numbers. The callers allegedly began demanding repayment several times higher than the original amount. When he objected, the accused allegedly threatened to morph and circulate his photographs among relatives and acquaintances.
Police said Rahul transferred nearly Rs 1.36 lakh to multiple UPI IDs provided by the accused out of fear. Despite the payments, the accused allegedly continued demanding more money and later sent edited photographs to his relatives and contacts. Disturbed by the continuous threats, Rahul later formatted his mobile phone. He has handed over details of more than half a dozen UPI IDs and other transaction information to the police.
The complainant had initially approached the cyber unit of the Crime Branch. After preliminary verification, Banganga police registered a case and began investigation. Authorities are now working to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost amount.
