A retired private school teacher in Ajmer has lost Rs 3.66 lakh after allegedly being lured by a Facebook advertisement claiming that an old Rs 5 note featuring a tractor image could fetch Rs 48 lakh, in what police say was a carefully staged cyber fraud.
A Facebook Advertisement Promised Rs 48 Lakh
The woman saw an advertisement on her mobile phone showing an old Rs 5 note with the image of a tractor ploughing a field. The claim was that anyone possessing such a note could sell it for Rs 48 lakh.
The retired teacher, who had long professional experience and was otherwise well informed, called the number given in the advertisement. From there, the fraud unfolded in a manner designed to appear convincing and procedural.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
Small Payments Turned Into a Larger Financial Loss
The fraudsters allegedly presented themselves as major dealers in old coins and notes and assured the woman that her note was genuine and would fetch the full Rs 48 lakh. However, they told her that certain official formalities had to be completed before the payment could be released.
The first demand was only Rs 520 as a processing fee. After that payment was made, the demands escalated. Money was then sought in instalments under different heads, including RBI clearance, file charges, GST and transfer duty. According to the report, the woman continued depositing money into different bank accounts as pressure mounted, and eventually transferred Rs 3,66,000 to the fraudsters.
Police Register Case After Threats and Silence
The woman later began to suspect the fraud when the demands for money did not stop. She then questioned why any person or company would offer Rs 48 lakh in exchange for an old Rs 5 note. When she asked for her money back, the fraudsters allegedly showed their true intent, issued threats and then switched off their phones.
Ajmer police have registered the case and begun an investigation. Officials described the case as a reminder that fraudsters often exploit the lure of rare or antique items to target people, especially those with limited understanding of digital payment risks. Police have stressed that awareness and caution remain essential in dealing with such offers online.
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.
