Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Feb 18: A 37-year-old woman from Udupi has allegedly lost Rs 7.1 lac in an online parcel scam after being lured through social media.
In her complaint, Rani stated that she received a message on Facebook from an account named “Amadeo Luca” on February 4. The two later continued chatting through Messenger and WhatsApp.
On February 8, the accused allegedly informed her over a phone call that he had sent her a parcel containing gold ornaments, a mobile phone and other valuables. He further claimed that the parcel also contained US dollars and that she would have to pay Rs 45,000 as charges to receive it. Believing the claim, the woman transferred the amount to a bank account provided by the accused.
Subsequently, the fraudsters continued contacting her through calls and messages, demanding additional payments towards taxes and other processing fees. Trusting their assurances, the victim transferred money in phases to various accounts specified by them. In total, she transferred Rs 7.10 lac.
When the promised parcel failed to arrive and the accused continued demanding money, the woman realised she had been cheated and approached the police.
A case has been registered at the CEN police station under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further investigation is under way.