WhatsApp is now a platform for a cruel “love scam.” The perpetrators manipulate victims’ feelings so they can make money from them. Recently, a 63-year-old man from Bengaluru experienced this. He lost over thirty-two lakh rupees to conniving criminals.
The scam began with a phone call. Said call was made from someone who claimed to be part of a private dating agency to introduce him to high-profile women. The victim agreed to send a small registration fee. The victim subsequently sent Rs1,950 through an online wallet as a first registration fee. The small deposit was only the start of the scheme.
Once the fee was sent, the agency sent three photographs of women on WhatsApp. The victim chose a woman named “Ritika” and the victim began communicating with the woman regularly. Their conversation caused the victim to establish trust over the course of a few days. Ritika then wrote back and introduced another woman “Preeti.” Ritika made a possible physical meet with Preeti soon.
After the victim had sent money, the scammers began making constant demand for money, and were demanding processing fees, service fees and coordination expenses over and over. The victim continued to pay for each request in belief to meet Ritika. After every payment request, always came a new financial demand. The scammers always asked for more money.
The man ultimately paid over Rs32 lakh. He transferred the money to several different bank accounts. He acted with the hope of finally meeting the woman. The scammers drained his savings completely. They used his emotional vulnerability against him.
The victim eventually refused to send more money. The scammers then changed their strategy. They started threatening him with legal action. This threat made him realize the truth. He understood he was a victim of a sophisticated fraud.
The man finally approached the police. He filed a formal complaint about the incident. The police have registered a case under relevant laws. They are investigating this serious crime.
Always verify online dating platforms thoroughly. Never share personal financial information with strangers. Be very cautious of anyone asking for money online. Report any suspicious activity to the cybercrime cell immediately. Remember that scammers often exploit emotional connections. Stay vigilant to protect your heart and your wallet.
Also Read: AI Chatbot Detects Hospital’s Massive Rs1.6 Crore Billing Fraud, Final Bill Just Rs29 Lakh
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