Surat Woman Falls Victim to Elaborate Weight Loss Medicine Fraud
A 45-year-old woman from Surat, Gujarat, has been duped of a staggering Rs 1.77 crore by a gang of cybercriminals who promised her effective weight loss medicines. The fraud, which unfolded over several months, involved sophisticated tactics including fake medical consultations and counterfeit products, according to police officials.
The victim, a resident of the Adajan area, first came across an advertisement on social media for a weight loss program. She contacted the number provided and was connected to individuals posing as doctors and nutritionists. They convinced her to purchase a series of expensive treatment packages, claiming they would help her lose weight quickly and safely.
How the Scam Unfolded
Over a period of about six months, the fraudsters kept demanding money for various reasons, including consultation fees, medicine costs, and special detox programs. The victim transferred funds through multiple bank accounts and online payment platforms. In total, she made around 50 transactions, with amounts ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs.
The gang operated from a call center in another state, using fake identities and forged medical certificates. They even sent her some packages containing pills and powders, which later turned out to be harmless substances like glucose and multivitamins, not actual weight loss medications.
According to the police, the fraudsters used psychological manipulation, threatening that stopping the treatment would lead to serious health issues. The victim, desperate to lose weight and already invested heavily, continued to pay until she had no money left.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The woman finally realized she had been scammed when the fraudsters stopped answering her calls after she expressed inability to pay further. She filed a complaint with the Surat Cyber Crime Cell in May 2026.
Following a detailed investigation, the police traced the gang to a location in Rajasthan. In a coordinated raid, they arrested four individuals, including the mastermind. The accused have been identified as Rajesh Sharma (38), Pooja Mehta (32), Vikram Singh (41), and Anil Kumar (29). They are believed to be part of a larger network involved in similar frauds across the country.
Police recovered several mobile phones, laptops, and fake documents from their possession. Preliminary investigations suggest that the gang had duped at least 20 other victims in different states, with a total estimated fraud amount of over Rs 5 crore.
Warning Signs and Safety Tips
Authorities have urged the public to be cautious of such online offers. "Never trust advertisements promising miraculous weight loss results. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before purchasing any medicine online," said a senior police officer involved in the case.
The police also advised people to verify the credentials of online sellers and avoid transferring money to unknown accounts. They emphasized that legitimate medical treatments rarely require large advance payments or multiple transactions.
The victim, who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity, said she felt betrayed and foolish. "I was desperate to lose weight for a family wedding. They made me believe that their products were the only solution. I lost not only my savings but also my self-respect," she said.
Legal Action and Future Prevention
The accused have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. They are currently in police custody and further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.
The Surat Cyber Crime Cell has issued a public advisory warning against similar scams. They have also set up a dedicated helpline for victims of online fraud. The case highlights the growing menace of cybercrime targeting health-conscious individuals, especially with the rise of social media marketing.
