Kuwait-Based Indian Man Loses Rs 21.7 Lakh in Elaborate Telegram Loan Scam
A 57-year-old Indian man from Shirva village in Kaup taluk, Udupi district, who is currently residing in Kuwait, has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online loan scam. The individual was allegedly cheated of a staggering Rs 21.7 lakh through fraudulent activities conducted on the popular messaging platform, Telegram.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
According to the detailed complaint filed with authorities, the victim first encountered a loan advertisement on Telegram. Shortly after viewing this advertisement, he was added to a specific group by a person who identified himself as Rajesh Changa. When the complainant expressed his need for a substantial loan of Rs 75 lakh, the accused offered to arrange the funds at what seemed like an attractive interest rate of just 0.5%.
The fraudster then claimed that an initial payment of Rs 5 lakh was required to cover tax obligations. Trusting these messages and the promises made, the complainant proceeded to transfer a total of Rs 21,66,769 from various bank accounts in India. These transactions occurred between December 23 and December 31, 2025, following the specific instructions provided by the scammer.
Aftermath and Police Action
Despite making these significant payments, the victim neither received the promised loan amount nor any refund. It was only after repeated follow-ups and failed communications that he realized he had been systematically cheated in a well-orchestrated financial fraud.
A formal case has been registered at the CEN Crime police station under multiple sections of relevant legislation. The charges include violations under sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources, along with Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), addressing cheating and dishonesty.
Growing Concerns About Digital Financial Fraud
This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online financial scams targeting Indians both domestically and abroad. The use of encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram for such fraudulent activities presents new challenges for law enforcement agencies and financial regulators.
Authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when encountering unsolicited loan offers on digital platforms, especially those promising unusually low interest rates or requiring upfront payments for processing or taxes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying the legitimacy of financial service providers through official channels before engaging in any transactions.
