Mumbai: With the rising popularity of digital payments and online subscription services, cyber fraud cases are increasingly adopting more sophisticated tactics. In one such case, a member of actress Archana Puran Singh’s family, her son Aayushmaan Sethi, reportedly lost nearly ₹87,000 after falling victim to a free trial subscription scam.
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Free Trial Offer Leads to Major Scam
The incident began with an online offer that claimed to provide a “seven-day free trial” on a digital platform. Initially, the offer appeared legitimate and harmless, prompting Aayushmaan to proceed with it. However, that single click eventually led to a significant financial loss.
According to details shared in a family vlog, the process began with a small verification transaction that seemed routine. However, within a short span of time, a large unauthorized deduction of approximately ₹87,000 was made from his credit card, causing immediate concern within the family.
Family Advises Immediate Bank Action
Aayushmaan stated that as soon as he noticed the unexpected transaction in his bank statement, he informed his family. Following this, Archana Puran Singh advised him to immediately contact the bank and block the card. Parmeet Sethi, however, clarified that instead of blocking the entire card, it is more appropriate to dispute only the suspicious transaction.
Reports suggest that the platform involved initially built trust through a small charge and later allegedly deducted a full annual subscription fee without explicit consent. The model is believed to be based on “auto-renewal” mechanisms and hidden terms and conditions.
Aayushmaan further explained that when he tried contacting customer support, he was not connected to a human representative. Instead, he was redirected to automated or AI-based responses, making it increasingly difficult to resolve the issue.
Interestingly, the situation in the family vlog shifted between concern and light-hearted moments. While the financial loss was serious, other family members reacted in a humorous manner at times, which helped ease the tension during the discussion.
Aayushmaan also admitted that this was not the first time he had encountered such an issue. He recalled a previous incident involving an online platform where an unauthorized deduction had occurred, although the amount was reportedly recovered in that case.
Experts Warn of Rising Subscription Scams
Cybersecurity experts say such incidents are rising rapidly, especially on platforms offering free trials or heavily discounted subscriptions. These offers often include auto-renewal clauses and hidden charges that users tend to overlook.
In this context, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh stated, “Cyber criminals today are heavily exploiting trust and urgency. Free trials or zero-cost offers are often psychological traps where users are gradually pushed into larger financial commitments. People approve permissions without reading terms, and by the time they realize it, control has already shifted to fraudsters.”
Experts further explain that most users do not carefully read the terms and conditions while activating trials, which often include automatic renewal clauses. Once payment details are saved, large deductions can be triggered without repeated consent.
Immediate Dispute and Cyber Complaint Recommended
Financial advisors emphasise that in such situations, immediate action is crucial by informing the bank, blocking the card temporarily, and formally disputing the transaction. Filing a complaint on the cybercrime portal is also recommended for further investigation.
The incident once again highlights that while digital services offer convenience, they also carry significant risks. A simple click or approval can sometimes escalate into major financial loss if proper caution is not exercised.
