A 28-year-old shopkeeper from Pune's Bhawani Peth area fell victim to a sophisticated online fraud, losing a staggering sum of Rs 41.2 lakh between June and November last year. The scam, which began with a promise of an easy business loan, escalated into a case of digital blackmail, leaving the victim financially devastated.
The Lure of a Low-Interest Loan
In June, the shopkeeper was searching online for financial assistance for his business when he came across an advertisement offering loans. After he clicked on the ad, fraudsters contacted him directly. They enticed him with the promise of a loan at a very low interest rate, a tempting offer for any small business owner.
To process the so-called loan, the suspects instructed the victim to fill out an online form. Trusting their assurances, he complied and submitted the form along with his personal details and photographs as directed. This initial step of sharing his images became the critical hook for the criminals.
From Promise to Blackmail
After obtaining his pictures, the scamsters revealed their true intentions. They morphed his photographs to create obscene images. Using these fabricated photos as leverage, they then threatened the shopkeeper. Their demand was clear: pay money, or they would upload the morphed images on social media platforms and tag his relatives and friends.
Fearing social humiliation and reputational ruin, the victim felt he had no choice but to comply. The accused provided him with three different bank accounts for the transfers. Under relentless pressure, the shopkeeper began sending them money.
Financial and Emotional Ruin
The financial drain was catastrophic. To meet the fraudsters' incessant demands, the man not only exhausted his entire life's savings but was also forced to borrow substantial amounts from his family members and close friends. The total amount siphoned off reached Rs 41.2 lakh over several months.
Finally, the shopkeeper approached the Samarth police. Senior inspector Uttam Gitte stated that after a thorough study of the victim's complaint application, a formal case of online cheating was registered against the unidentified fraudsters. The police are now investigating the trail of money through the provided bank accounts.
This case highlights a dangerous trend where cybercriminals exploit the financial needs of individuals, using personal information and digital tools like photo editing to commit extortion. It serves as a stark warning to always verify the credibility of online lenders and to never share personal photographs or sensitive details with unverified entities.
