Mangaluru has witnessed a spate of cyber frauds, with three residents losing a combined sum of over Rs 10 lakh in separate incidents involving fake bank representatives, fraudulent trading platforms, and bogus part-time job offers. The local police have registered cases and are investigating.
Credit Card Upgrade Scam Costs Man Rs 3.1 Lakh
A 45-year-old man, originally from Mumbai, lost approximately Rs 3.1 lakh after fraudsters posing as bank representatives tricked him into sharing his credit card details and OTP through a fake website. The incident occurred on June 17 when the victim was visiting his mother's house in Karnire. At 6:30 pm, he received a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank representative offering to upgrade his credit card to a lifetime card. After the complainant agreed, the caller sent a link via WhatsApp. Clicking the link opened a website where the victim entered his credit card details and the OTP as instructed. Shortly thereafter, multiple unauthorized transactions were made from his credit card. The complainant alleged he was cheated by persons who falsely promised to upgrade his card. Mulki Police have registered a case and are investigating.
Trading App Scam Dupes 62-Year-Old of Rs 4 Lakh
A 62-year-old man was allegedly cheated of Rs 4 lakh after fraudsters lured him into investing in a fake trading platform through a WhatsApp group promising double returns. According to the complaint, on April 29, the victim received a WhatsApp message claiming that investments made through its trading app would generate double profits. Believing the offer to be genuine, he joined the Aarna Trading Group on WhatsApp. Following instructions shared in the group, he transferred Rs 50,000 on April 29, another Rs 50,000 on May 1, and Rs 4 lakh on May 3, totaling an investment of Rs 5 lakh. On May 7, after informing a friend about the investment, he was advised it was likely a fraudulent app and asked to withdraw his money immediately. When he attempted to withdraw, only Rs 1 lakh was credited back. The remaining Rs 4 lakh could not be withdrawn. When he contacted the operators through the WhatsApp group and app, he found both had blocked him. Mangaluru North police have registered a case.
Part-Time Job Scam Costs 44-Year-Old Rs 3.5 Lakh
A 44-year-old man was allegedly cheated of Rs 3.5 lakh by fraudsters posing as representatives of a company offering part-time employment and promising high returns on investments. According to the complaint, on August 24, 2025, at 1 pm, the victim received a phone call from someone claiming to represent a company and offering a part-time job. The following day, he was asked to pay a registration fee of Rs 1,000 via a QR code sent through WhatsApp. After transferring the amount, he received calls from various numbers, with callers introducing themselves as the company's manager and accountant. They repeatedly assured him the company was genuine and promised higher returns on investments at the end of each month. Trusting their claims, the victim transferred money in phases. However, he was neither provided any work nor refunded. When he demanded a refund, the accused insisted he first pay an additional 'refund processing' amount. Believing their assurances, he continued making payments and eventually lost Rs 3.5 lakh. A case has been registered at the Kavoor police station.
Authorities urge the public to remain cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, and offers that require sharing personal financial information or upfront payments. Always verify the authenticity of such offers through official channels before proceeding.
