By Vishwapati
Patna: While the government is raising awareness to prevent cyber fraud, fraudsters are constantly devising new ways to deceive people. In a shocking case, cyber criminals swindled ₹49,500 from a man under the pretext of providing a buffalo.
The victim, Rupesh Kumar Yadav, a resident of Mirnagar in the Nawada Bazar police station area of Banka district, fell prey to the scam. He has filed a written complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Banka, detailing how he was defrauded.
According to Rupesh, on 1st February, he received a call from the mobile number 8306…… The caller posed as an official from the government’s animal husbandry department and promised to arrange a buffalo for him. The fraudsters requested his Aadhaar card and a passport-sized photograph, which he provided. Shortly after, they created a ‘permission card’ in his name, claiming that the buffalo would be transported by vehicle and delivered in the evening.
To process the delivery, the fraudsters initially demanded ₹5,000, which Rupesh transferred to a specified mobile number. The next day, they called again, claiming there was an issue en route and requested an additional ₹12,500. Believing them, Rupesh complied. The fraudsters continued their deception, asking for another ₹12,500 and then ₹17,500, which he also transferred.
Later, the fraudsters demanded ₹18,000 more. When Rupesh hesitated, they assured him that sending ₹2,000 would guarantee the buffalo’s arrival within two hours. He sent the amount, but the buffalo never arrived. When he called the fraudsters, they demanded ₹18,000 again. Upon refusing and asking for a refund, the fraudsters verbally abused him and switched off their phone.
In total, Rupesh lost ₹49,500 to the scam.
Cyber Police Station in-charge Vinod Kumar said that an investigation is underway, and the culprits will be brought to justice soon.
Police urge people to remain vigilant against such cyber fraud. Never transfer money to unknown individuals or fall for lucrative offers. If you become a victim of cyber crime, report the incident to the police immediately.
- The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com
