Crime
Fake Cab Rental Website Scams Man Out of Rs 4.1 Lakh—What Went Wrong?
A West Bengal man fell victim to an online cab booking scam, losing Rs 4.1 lakh while attempting to book a cab in Udupi. The incident highlights the need for caution with online transactions and unfamiliar websites.
A man from West Bengal lost Rs 4.1 lakh while trying to book a cab for travel in Udupi. Searching for rental options, he found a website called “Shakti Car Rentals” through Google, which appeared legitimate at first glance. Following instructions from a man named Rohit Sharma, who claimed to be associated with the rental service, the victim was asked to pay a small registration fee of Rs 150.
Despite encountering issues with One-Time Password (OTP) confirmations, the victim was reassured by “Rohit” to proceed with the payment or arrange cash on delivery upon the cab’s arrival. Unfortunately, this assurance was part of the scam. Shortly after attempting the transaction, the victim received messages indicating that Rs 3.3 lakh had been debited from his State Bank of India credit card and Rs 80,056 from his Canara Bank debit card.
The scam was meticulously crafted, using fake payment pages to deceive the victim into entering sensitive banking information. By the time he realized the fraud, the damage had been done. The incident serves as a sobering reminder to always verify the authenticity of websites, especially when making payments online.
Tips to Avoid Similar Scams:
- Verify Website Authenticity: Only use trusted and well-known booking platforms. Check the URL for legitimacy.
- Be Cautious with Contact Information: If someone contacts you for payments, ensure you can verify their identity.
- Watch for Red Flags: Unusual payment processes, such as missing OTPs, are often warning signs.
- Secure Online Transactions: Use secure payment methods and enable two-factor authentication.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If scammed, contact authorities promptly to mitigate further losses.
This unfortunate incident emphasizes the importance of vigilance in online transactions. Fraudsters are continuously adapting, making it crucial for the public to stay informed and cautious.
Follow The420.in on
Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube