A Bengaluru student lost Rs 1.1 lakh while trying to purchase an iPhone online.
It all started when Riyan Hussain came across an ad posted by someone named Kiran, who claimed to be selling an iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Kiran sent Riyan pictures of the phone’s bill and the box over WhatsApp, assuring him of the product's authenticity.
Buying gadgets online can be convenient, but it also comes with risks. A 24-year-old student from Bengaluru learned this the hard way when he lost Rs 1.1 lakh while trying to purchase an iPhone from an online marketplace.
SurveyIt all started when Riyan Hussain, a resident of RT Nagar, was searching for used mobile phones on OLX and came across an ad posted by someone named Kiran, who claimed to be selling an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Intrigued by the offer, Riyan contacted Kiran through the phone number provided in the ad.
Also read: Bengaluru software engineer loses Rs 1.2cr in courier scam: Here’s what happened
Kiran sent Riyan pictures of the phone’s bill and the box over WhatsApp, assuring him of the product’s authenticity. After some discussion, they agreed on a price of Rs 1.1 lakh. Kiran instructed Riyan to meet someone named Hussain near a hotel on Cunningham Road to complete the deal, reports TOI.
At the designated spot, Riyan met Hussain, who showed him the phone, the bill, and the box. Convinced that everything was in order, Riyan transferred Rs 1.1 lakh to the bank account provided by Hussain.
However, things took a shocking turn. Instead of handing over the phone, Hussain claimed he hadn’t received any money. Riyan tried to explain that the transfer was completed, but Hussain refused to listen. Without handing over the phone, Hussain left the place on his two-wheeler. Riyan later filed a police complaint detailing the incident.
Also read: Mangaluru man loses Rs 58 lakh while trying to sell old coins online: How the scam unfolded
How to avoid such scams
- Verify the seller: Always check the seller’s profile and reviews on online marketplaces.
- Meet in public places: Choose safe, well-lit public locations for transactions.
- Avoid large online transfers: Use cash or secure payment methods that allow refunds.
- Double-check before paying: Ensure the seller hands over the product before making any payment.
- Stay alert: Be cautious if the deal seems too good to be true.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
