New Delhi: A seemingly harmless Instagram follow request turned into a costly lesson for a Delhi-based woman, who lost Rs 1.7 lakh to an elaborate scam orchestrated by a man claiming to be a US-based pilot. This incident is the latest reminder of the dangers that lurk behind the friendly façade of social media platforms.
In July of last year, the unsuspecting woman received a follow-up request from an individual who presented himself as a pilot residing in the US. Charmed by his persona and possible authenticity, the woman accepted the request, igniting the beginning of an extensive conversation between the two. As days turned into weeks, the trust between them seemingly grew. She began sharing personal details about her family, their aspirations, and the financial hurdles they faced.
Taking advantage of the information, the scammer meticulously crafted a benevolent front. In a seemingly generous gesture, he offered to send her a gift containing US dollars equivalent to a staggering Rs 80 lakh, with the stated intention of helping her family tide over their financial difficulties.
While such an offering would make many wary, the depth of trust the woman had in this newfound friend, combined with the hope of financial relief, seemingly clouded her judgment. On July 21, the trap was set in motion when she received a phone call from an individual impersonating a “female officer from the customs department.”
The supposed officer informed the Delhi resident that the hefty gift of US dollars was at the customs office, awaiting clearance. However, a fee was required for the currency conversion, an amount to the tune of Rs 15,000. Trusting the voice on the other end of the line, the woman, without hesitation, transferred the specified amount.
Yet, this was merely the beginning of her financial losses. Over the subsequent days, she received multiple calls, each time with a different excuse, demanding more money for various clearances. Each payment was purportedly the last hurdle before the large sum could reach her.
However, as the demands grew more frequent and the amounts larger, doubt began to creep into her mind. The realization dawned upon her that she might be entangled in a web of deceit. With a heavy heart and the acknowledgment of a mistake that cost her Rs 1.7 lakh, she approached the police to lodge a formal complaint against the fraudster.
The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the scamster may have operated from outside India, utilizing various technological tools to mask his identity and location. With the rise in digital communication, incidents of cyber fraud have witnessed an alarming surge. This particular mode, where fraudsters pose as generous benefactors, is not uncommon, exploiting the vulnerabilities of those struggling financially.
Citizens are advised to be cautious while interacting with strangers on social media. It’s crucial to avoid sharing personal or financial information and to be wary of unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true. Experts also recommend verifying any request for money, especially if it originates from an unknown source or involves an intermediary.
While the digital age brings numerous advantages, it also presents unique challenges. The line between reality and deception can often blur, making vigilance a necessity. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that while technology has bridged distances, it has also paved the way for newer avenues of deceit.
