For Mahesh Kumar Gupta, a trader from Humayunpur, the dream of expanding his business through a petrol pump dealership ended in a nightmare. Last month, while browsing information about Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) allotments, he encountered a pop-up that seemed official. Trusting it, he clicked, filled out an application, and soon began receiving calls and emails from people posing as IOCL officials.
They convinced him to transfer money in installments, assuring dealership allotment letters and certificates. “They appeared completely genuine. I had no doubt about the documents,” Gupta said.
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How the Fraud Unfolded
Over a few weeks, Gupta transferred ₹1.90 lakh into a Mumbai-based bank account. When official confirmation never arrived, he filed an RTI with IOCL, only to discover that no such allotment existed and all documents were fake. Shocked, Gupta filed a complaint at Gorakhnath police station, which has now registered a case and started investigations.
A Growing Trend of Digital Deception
Experts point out that scams linked to petrol pump and gas agency allotments are spreading rapidly across India. Fraudsters use cloned websites, fake emails, and pop-up ads to trap unsuspecting citizens. Victims are often misled with forged allotment letters and certificates that look authentic.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh explained, “These frauds are run by organized gangs that create an environment of trust through technology. People must avoid third-party links and always verify through official websites or helpline numbers.”
Lessons to Learn
The incident highlights how sophisticated cybercriminals have become. A single moment of misplaced trust can wipe out years of savings. Gupta now hopes his story warns others.
“If I had contacted the company directly, I could have saved my money. I want others to be more cautious,” he said.
The case stands as a reminder: in today’s digital age, vigilance is the strongest shield against fraud.