Himachal Pradesh News
Cybercrime News : Kullu man duped of Rs 9.77 lakh in Facebook scam promising high returns on old coins
Cybercriminals duped a Kullu resident of Rs 9.77 lakh by luring him on Facebook with promises of high returns on old coins. Police have registered a case and launched a probe.
In a case highlighting the growing misuse of social media platforms for cyber fraud, a man from Kullu district has allegedly been duped of Rs 9.77 lakh on the pretext of selling old coins at a high price through Facebook.
According to the complaint lodged at the Nirmand police station, Kedar Singh, a resident of Tharwa village, came in contact with unknown individuals on Facebook on September 2. One of them, identifying himself as Sachin, claimed to facilitate the sale of old coins at lucrative rates.
The accused convinced Kedar Singh to transfer a small amount via Google Pay for mandatory registration. Soon after, several other individuals contacted him, introducing themselves as managers and officials associated with the process.
On the pretext of registration charges, tax, processing fees and miscellaneous expenses, they repeatedly demanded money. Trusting their assurances, Kedar Singh kept transferring funds.
The fraud continued from September 5 to December 1, during which the victim transferred Rs 9,77,885 in about 51 transactions through Google Pay to multiple bank accounts linked to different mobile numbers.
The money was sent to accounts held in the names of Munna Kumar, Alamin Mian and Sudhakar Basu, among others. The accused assured the victim that the entire amount would be refunded within 24 hours along with profits from the sale of old coins.
However, when neither the promised refund nor any communication followed, Kedar Singh realised that he had been cheated and approached the police.
Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal said a case had been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the matter was being investigated from a cyber fraud angle.
“The bank accounts, mobile numbers and digital payment trails involved in the case are being thoroughly examined to trace the accused,” the SP said.
Police have once again urged people to remain vigilant against online scams and avoid transferring money for attractive offers circulated on social media platforms.
📌 Lure of quick money leads to fall
- Victim came in contact with scammers through Facebook
- September 2: Introduced to ‘Sachin’, who promised high returns on old coins
- Asked to pay registration and processing fees via Google Pay
- More individuals posed as managers and officials
- Rs 9.77 lakh transferred in 51 transactions over three months
