A software engineer in northeast Bengaluru was allegedly cheated of Rs 11.5 lakh while trying to book a trip to Europe after contacting a travel page she found on Facebook, with police now investigating the suspected fraud.
Travel Inquiry Through Facebook
According to the complaint, the 33-year-old woman from Thanisandra came across a page titled ‘Jetha Iccha Setha Jai Travels and Events’ while browsing Facebook. She contacted the operators through two phone numbers listed online to inquire about a Europe trip.
The suspects then shared trip details with her. After learning that she was interested, they allegedly began contacting her from different phone numbers.
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Multiple Transfers for Travel Charges
Police said the woman was made to transfer Rs 12.77 lakh through multiple transactions. The suspects allegedly told her the money was required for visa processing, bookings and other related expenses for the proposed trip.
After the payments were completed, and when the woman later asked about the status of the trip, the suspects allegedly informed her that it had been cancelled.
Refund Dispute and Police Case
When she sought a refund, the suspects allegedly returned only Rs 1.18 lakh and refused to pay back the remaining amount. The reported loss was Rs 11.5 lakh.
Northeast Cybercrime Police have registered a case in connection with the matter, and an investigation is underway, officials said.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
