Ahmedabad Baker Falls Victim to Rs 8.5 Lakh Online Clothing Scheme Scam
A 37-year-old baker from Vejalpur in Ahmedabad has reportedly been defrauded of Rs 8.5 lakh after being ensnared in a deceptive online clothing promotion scheme that operated through WhatsApp and Telegram. The victim, who runs a home-based cake business, filed a formal complaint with the Cybercrime police on Thursday, sparking an investigation into the sophisticated fraud.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Initial Contact to Major Losses
According to the complaint, the incident began on September 21, 2025, when the baker received a WhatsApp message from a woman identifying herself as "Sree Lakshmi". This individual claimed to be associated with a Japanese clothing marketing firm and presented an enticing opportunity. She sent website and Telegram group links, inviting the complainant to join a task-based online sales promotion programme. The scheme promised commissions and discounts for boosting sales of kurtis, luring the victim with the prospect of easy earnings.
Initially, the baker deposited Rs 10,000 from her Bank of India account and received around Rs 12,000 in return, which built her confidence in the legitimacy of the operation. Over the subsequent days, she was added to multiple Telegram groups where she was provided with UPI IDs and bank account details for making further payments. She was assigned daily tasks and shown small returns credited to her account, including a notable sum of Rs 22,630 on one occasion, reinforcing her belief in the scheme.
The Turning Point: Realization of Fraud and Police Action
Believing the scheme to be genuine, the complainant proceeded to transfer a total of Rs 8,50,338 in multiple transactions to different bank accounts as instructed. However, the situation took a drastic turn when the payments ceased to yield any returns. Realizing she had been duped, the victim contacted the cybercrime helpline 1930 on February 13 and later lodged a formal complaint with the authorities.
Police have now initiated a thorough investigation to trace the accused individuals and the beneficiary bank accounts involved in this elaborate fraud. This case highlights the growing threat of online scams targeting unsuspecting individuals through popular messaging platforms.
Key Details and Implications
- The victim is a 37-year-old baker operating a home-based business in Vejalpur, Ahmedabad.
- The scam involved fake promotions for kurtis, with initial small payouts to build trust.
- Transactions were conducted via UPI and bank transfers to multiple accounts.
- The cybercrime police are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for the public to exercise caution when engaging in online financial schemes, especially those promising high returns with minimal effort. Authorities urge citizens to verify the authenticity of such offers and report any suspicious activities immediately to prevent further losses.
