Mangaluru man loses Rs 42.4 lakh after scammer asked him to create a Telegram account

In today’s digital age, online scams have become a growing concern, and many people are falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Recently, a 44-year-old man from Kallige village in Bantwal, Mangaluru, lost Rs 42.4 lakh in an online trading scam. This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online transactions.

The victim was first contacted by an unknown person named Lakshmi. The scammer introduced themself as someone offering online trading opportunities and shared a Telegram link with the victim. He was instructed to create a Telegram account, which he did, trusting that the trading opportunity was genuine.

Then the scammers shared another link with the complainant from which he joined a Telegram group where product details were posted. The scammer then asked the man to pay Rs 10,000. Thinking it was a legitimate transaction, the victim transferred the amount from his bank account. To his relief, the money was credited back to him, reports TOI. Encouraged by this, the victim continued to engage with the scammer.

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Over the next few months, the scammer asked for additional payments for trading purposes. Between March 15 and August 15, the victim transferred large sums of money in multiple phases to different bank accounts. In total, he lost Rs 42.4 lakh before realising he had been scammed.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in online trading scams and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any such offers.

Also read: Credit card scam: How a gang used fake calls to steal from over 50 users

How to avoid such scams

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: If someone contacts you out of the blue with an investment opportunity, especially through messaging apps, it’s best to be cautious.
• Verify before investing: Always research and verify the legitimacy of the platform or individual offering investment opportunities. Check for reviews, official websites, and any reports of scams.
• Don’t share personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like bank account numbers or passwords with strangers online.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further harm.