Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 27: In yet another case of online fraud, a woman from Mangaluru was reportedly cheated of Rs 7.76 lac after being lured by cybercriminals through a fake Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) lottery scheme.
As per police reports, the incident began on May 23 when the woman, while scrolling through Facebook at her residence, came across a post claiming she had won a lottery under the banner of the popular KBC television show. Believing it to be genuine, she clicked on the link and submitted personal information as instructed.
A few days later, on May 27, she received a call from a man identifying himself as Sanjeev Kumar, who claimed to be a representative from the KBC office in Delhi. He informed her that she had won a cash prize of Rs 8 lakh and requested her Aadhaar number, PAN card, and photograph for documentation purposes, which she promptly shared via WhatsApp.
Soon after, the victim was asked to pay various charges such as registration fees, tax deductions (TDS), and processing costs, all under the pretext that these amounts would be reimbursed along with the prize money. Trusting the assurances given by the caller, the woman transferred a total of Rs 7.76 lac in multiple instalments via Google Pay from May 27 to July 19.
It was only when there was no sign of the promised prize money that the woman realised she had been duped. She immediately approached Urva Police Station and lodged a formal complaint. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway.
The police have urged the public to exercise caution while responding to online messages or social media links that make promises of lottery winnings or large cash prizes. Authorities have reiterated that no legitimate prize scheme asks for money to be paid in advance.
Cybercrime officials are now tracking the digital trail to identify the culprits behind the fraud.
How to stay safe
Vigilance is the key to avoiding such scams. If you receive such calls, never fall for the trap. Remember, police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money.
Most importantly, the term “digital arrest” is fabricated by scammers and does not exist in Indian law. If someone threatens you with it, it is undoubtedly a scam.
Additionally, never share bank details, OTPs, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages, regardless of the caller’s claims. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities and your bank immediately. Quick action can help prevent further losses.