Kaushambi: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a young man aspiring to start his own business lost ₹6.44 lakh after being duped in the name of securing an MRF tyre dealership. The incident occurred in Derhaval village in the Pashchim Sharira area, where Raghavendra Pratap Singh fell victim to an online scam. Following his complaint, a case has been registered at the cyber police station, and an investigation is currently underway.
A Dream Dealership Pitch That Looked Perfect
According to information, Raghavendra Pratap Singh was planning to open a tyre showroom in his locality. As part of this plan, he contacted MRF through email to inquire about dealership opportunities. After some time, he received a response from an individual who claimed to be a company manager and assured him that the dealership process could be initiated. The communication appeared highly professional, leaving the victim with no reason to suspect foul play.
The accused introduced himself as “Krishna Shukla” and explained the formalities required to obtain the dealership. He shared a bank account number and asked for payments under the heads of registration fees, security deposit, and other processing charges. The victim was assured that once the payment was completed, the dealership allotment process would begin immediately.
Money Sent, Contact Cut, Panic Begins
Trusting the communication, Raghavendra transferred a total of ₹6,44,500 in multiple installments to the provided bank account. Initially, the accused remained in regular contact, reinforcing the belief that the process was genuine. However, as soon as the full amount was transferred, the accused’s mobile phone was switched off.
When repeated attempts to contact him failed, suspicion grew. The victim then approached his bank to verify the transactions, where he realized that he had fallen prey to cyber fraud. He subsequently filed a written complaint at the cyber police station in Manjhanpur.
In his complaint, the victim also mentioned another name, “Lavkush Kumar,” who was allegedly presented as being associated with the company at a corporate level. A mobile number used by the accused during communication has also been provided to the authorities. Investigators are now using these digital leads to trace the culprits.
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Corporate Name, Clever Con
Preliminary investigation suggests that the fraudsters executed the scam in a highly planned manner. They used the company’s name, email communication style, and professional language to gain the victim’s trust. In such cases, criminals often replicate official websites, email formats, and business procedures, making it extremely difficult for individuals to distinguish between genuine and fake communications.
Cyber experts note that such frauds rely heavily on “social engineering,” where criminals target human trust rather than hacking systems directly. Future Crime Research Foundation has observed a sharp rise in business and dealership-related cyber frauds, particularly in smaller towns where individuals are actively seeking new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Cyber Warning for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh warned,
“Cyber criminals are increasingly exploiting trust by using the names of reputed companies and professional communication tactics. Before making any payment, it is crucial to verify details through the company’s official website or authorized channels. Even a small lapse can lead to significant financial loss.”
Police have registered the case and are examining bank accounts, mobile numbers, and other digital trails linked to the transaction. Officials say efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused at the earliest.
This incident once again highlights the risks associated with digital transactions and online business offers. Experts advise that individuals must exercise extreme caution and verify the authenticity of any such proposal before transferring money. In high-value transactions, due diligence is not just advisable—it is essential for safeguarding one’s finances.
