A 56-year-old businessman from Goregaon has filed a police complaint alleging that two individuals masquerading as tax consultants cheated him of ₹31 lakh by promising expert tax-services. The complainant says the duo presented themselves as professional advisors, convinced him to pay large sums for services that were never delivered, and then vanished with the funds. The South Mumbai unit of the city police has registered the case and begun investigations.
What Happened and How the Scam Operated
According to the businessman, the consultants approached him offering to manage complex tax-matters and profile optimisation in return for up-front payments. They provided fake engagement letters, promised substantial refunds or tax-savings, and pressured him into transferring funds. As the payments mounted, the consultants stopped answering calls. Upon realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the police. Bank statements show transfers totalling ₹31 lakh to accounts linked to the two consultants. Police are examining transaction trails, verifying identities of the accused and tracing the destination of funds.
Implications for Professional Service Trust and Fraud Prevention
This case highlights a growing risk: trusted professional domains being used as cover for fraud. Tax advising and consultancy services often handle sensitive financial data and large sums — making them attractive for criminals. Experts warn that clients must verify credentials, insist on written contracts, check registration with regulatory bodies or chartered associations, and avoid large transfers without clear deliverables. Meanwhile, investigators caution service providers to maintain transparency and audit logs to minimise misuse of trust.
The complaint puts focus on how fraudulent actors exploit credibility of “consultancy” to extract funds, and underscores that vigilance and verification remain essential even when working with purported professionals.
