Mumbai: A shocking case of cyber fraud has come to light in which a woman was cheated of over Rs 2.46 lakh after being lured by a social media advertisement claiming to buy old Indian currency notes and coins.
The advertisement, posted by a man named Raj Giani, promised large returns in exchange for rare old currency, drawing the victim into a well-planned scam. The incident has been registered with the Pydhonie Police Station, which has launched a probe.
Victim Targeted Through Online Ad Promising ₹12 Lakh for Rare Currency
According to the complaint filed with the police, the victim, Surekha Maghade, came across the advertisement online and contacted the provided number to sell a Rs 100 note with the serial number ‘786’ and a 25 paise coin.
Scammers Demanded Fees Posing as Registration and GST Charges
The accused allegedly promised her a payment of Rs 12 lakh for the items, but demanded registration charges, GST fees, and other payments to process the transaction.
Accused Switched Off Phones After Collecting ₹2.46 Lakh
Between July 11 and July 16, Maghade transferred a total of Rs 2,46,400 into various bank accounts as instructed by the scammers. However, when the promised payment did not arrive and she tried to reach the accused again, she discovered their mobile numbers were switched off.
Pydhonie Police Register Economic Offence, Probe Underway
Realizing she had been duped, the woman approached the police, who have now registered a case under charges of economic fraud and launched an investigation to trace the culprits.
