In yet another case highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud in online shopping, a 36-year-old chartered accountant from Katraj in Pune has been duped of ₹46.75 lakh by fraudsters who promised to deliver a premium smartphone at a heavily discounted price. The scam unfolded over several months, with the victim repeatedly transferring money under different pretexts.
According to available information, the incident began when the victim came across an attractive advertisement on social media. The ad claimed to offer a newly launched high-end smartphone at a price significantly lower than the market rate. Tempted by the deal, the victim reached out, following which he was contacted by individuals posing as authorized dealers.
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Escalating Payment Demands Over Months
Initially, the fraudsters demanded a small amount to “confirm” the order, assuring the victim that the process was legitimate. Trusting their claims, he made the first payment. This marked the beginning of a carefully planned fraud, as the accused gradually escalated their demands.
Over time, the victim was asked to pay additional amounts under various heads, including shipping charges, taxes, customs duties, and processing fees. Each payment was justified with convincing explanations, and the victim was repeatedly assured that the smartphone would be delivered soon. Believing these assurances, he continued transferring money to multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
As the months passed, the promised delivery never materialized. Despite repeated follow-ups, the accused kept delaying the shipment while continuing to demand more payments. It was only by December, after multiple requests for additional funds without any progress, that the victim began to suspect foul play and realized he had been scammed.
Police Investigation Targets Bank Trails
Following this realization, the victim approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and an investigation is currently underway. Authorities are examining the bank accounts where the money was transferred and are working to trace the financial trail.
Investigators are also analyzing digital evidence, including communication records and transaction details, to identify the individuals involved and determine whether this is part of a larger, organized cyber fraud network. There is a strong possibility that the same group may have targeted other victims using similar tactics.
Social Engineering Scam Explained
Cyber experts note that such scams rely heavily on social engineering techniques. Fraudsters exploit human psychology, particularly the desire to secure expensive products at unusually low prices. By building trust gradually and maintaining consistent communication, they manipulate victims into making repeated payments without raising immediate suspicion.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cyber criminals are increasingly shifting from direct hacking to social engineering. They take advantage of psychological triggers such as the urge to grab a lucrative deal. Once trust is established, they extract money in phases, which delays the victim’s realization of the fraud.”
Police Urge Online Shopping Vigilance
Following the incident, authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while making online purchases. People are advised to avoid dealing with unknown sellers, verify the authenticity of offers, and refrain from making payments outside trusted platforms. Officials have also stressed the importance of reporting suspicious transactions immediately to prevent further losses.
The case once again underscores the risks associated with digital transactions in an era of convenience. As cyber fraudsters continue to evolve their tactics, awareness and vigilance remain the most effective safeguards against such financial crimes.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
