Udupi: Three duped in online job, KYC scams; over Rs 10 lac lost

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 5: In separate incidents reported in Udupi district, three individuals were duped of over Rs 10 lac by cyber fraudsters in job and KYC-related scams. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Woman cheated of Rs 7.63 lac in Instagram job scam

Renuka, a resident of Udupi, reportedly lost Rs 7.63 lac after falling for a fake job opportunity she found on Instagram on July 18. According to her complaint, she contacted a number via WhatsApp, after which she was directed to a Telegram ID. There, she was instructed to enter a salary code and share her personal and banking details.

Initially, the fraudsters assigned her small online tasks, returning small sums of money to gain her trust. Over time, they persuaded her to complete additional tasks that required higher transfers, eventually defrauding her of Rs 7.63 lac. A case has been registered at Manipal Police Station under Sections 316(2), 318(4), and 319(2) of the BNS, and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act.

Job scam costs man Rs 2.86 lac

In another incident, Mallappa, a resident of Udupi, was conned out of Rs 2.86 lac by a fraudster posing as a representative of a firm named Rent.com. The caller promised him a job and persuaded him to transfer money through multiple transactions: Rs 50,000 via UPI, Rs 1.36 lac and Rs 1 lac via RTGS. When no job materialised and the money was not returned, he approached the police. A case was registered at Udupi Town Police Station under Section 318(4) of the BNS and Section 66(D) of the IT Act.

Rs 33,700 lost in credit card KYC scam

In a third case, Praveen, another resident of Udupi, was defrauded of Rs 33,700 in a fake KYC update scam. On July 31, he received a call claiming to be from SBI, warning that his credit card KYC was due. A link was sent, and Praveen filled in his details, including the OTP. Moments later, he received a message that Rs 33,700 had been debited from his card. A case has been registered at Udupi Town Police Station under Section 318(4) of the BNS and Section 66(D) of the IT Act.

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.