Udupi Man Falls Victim to Rs 1.2 Lakh Instagram Franchise Scam, Police File Case
In a distressing incident highlighting the perils of online fraud, a man from Udupi was allegedly cheated out of Rs 1.2 lakh after being ensnared by a deceptive franchise offer advertised on Instagram. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported the scam to authorities, leading to the registration of a formal case at the Udupi Town police station.
How the Scam Unfolded on Social Media
The complainant stated that while casually browsing Instagram, he encountered an advertisement promoting a lucrative franchise opportunity from a company purportedly based in Gurugram, Haryana. Intrigued by the offer, he filled out and submitted an online form provided in the ad. Shortly after, he received an application form via email from the company, which he completed and returned.
Following this, two individuals identifying themselves as Sanjay Mishra and Suresh Tripathi contacted the victim, claiming to represent the company. They instructed him to pay agreement fees and licence fees to proceed with the franchise deal. Trusting their legitimacy, the complainant complied with their demands.
Financial Loss and Realisation of Fraud
Between March 4 and 5 of last year, the victim made two payments: first, a transfer of Rs 25,000, followed by an additional Rs 97,300, culminating in a total loss of Rs 1.2 lakh. Despite these payments, the accused continued to press for more money, raising the victim's suspicions. At this point, he realised he had fallen prey to an elaborate online fraud scheme and decided to report the matter to the police.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
In response to the complaint, the Udupi Town police have registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to cheating, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, addressing identity theft and fraud by personation using computer resources. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online advertisements and unsolicited offers. Experts advise the public to exercise caution, verify the authenticity of companies before making payments, and report any suspicious activities to cybercrime cells promptly.
