Two separate cases of online financial fraud reported from different parts of Sikkim on Thursday have once again highlighted the growing threat posed by cybercriminals exploiting social media platforms to target unsuspecting users. The incidents, reported from Pakyong district and Gangtok, prompted police to issue a renewed advisory urging residents to remain vigilant while dealing with online advertisements and unsolicited offers.
In the first case, a woman from Rongli in Pakyong district reported that she was cheated after responding to a Facebook advertisement that promised high payouts for old one-rupee and five-rupee currency notes carrying specific serial numbers. Drawn by the prospect of quick returns, the woman contacted the advertiser through WhatsApp, initiating a chain of transactions that ultimately resulted in a significant financial loss.
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According to the complaint, the fraudster initially demanded a processing fee of ₹3,000 to begin the transaction. Trusting the claims made during the conversation, the woman transferred the amount on January 17. Soon after, the demands escalated. The fraudster allegedly sought additional payments under various pretexts, including Goods and Services Tax, shipping charges, and carrier fees, repeatedly assuring the victim that the payout was imminent.
Believing the explanations to be genuine, the woman continued to transfer money over multiple transactions. It was only after repeated demands persisted without any delivery or confirmation that she realised she had been defrauded. The total amount lost in the case stood at ₹1,38,594. A complaint has since been registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, and the victim has been advised to approach Rongli Police Station for further investigation.
A second case was reported the same day from Gangtok, where another woman alleged that she was cheated after interacting with an Instagram page advertising bulk gift cards at discounted rates. Police said the page appeared professionally designed and claimed to offer genuine products, a tactic increasingly used by fraudsters to build credibility online.
After making an enquiry through the platform, the woman was contacted via WhatsApp and asked to place a prepaid order to secure the deal. Acting on the instructions, she transferred ₹5,000 on January 29. Soon after the payment was made, all communication was abruptly cut off, and the WhatsApp number and Instagram account became unreachable.
Realising that she had been duped, the woman lodged a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. She has also been directed to approach Sadar Police Station to assist with the investigation.
Police officials said both cases follow a familiar pattern seen in cyber fraud incidents across the region, where fraudsters lure victims with attractive online offers and gradually extract money through advance payment demands. Social media platforms and instant messaging applications are increasingly being used to bypass traditional checks and establish direct contact with potential victims.
Authorities have cautioned that legitimate sellers or buyers do not demand upfront payments for verification, processing, or taxes through personal messaging platforms. They have urged citizens to verify the authenticity of online advertisements, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from sharing personal or financial details with unknown individuals.
Police have also reiterated the importance of reporting cyber frauds at the earliest through the national helpline number 1930 or the official reporting portal, stating that prompt complaints increase the chances of tracing transactions and preventing further losses.
With online scams evolving rapidly and exploiting public trust, officials stressed that awareness remains the most effective defence. They advised social media users to treat offers promising unusually high returns or discounted products with caution and to rely only on verified platforms for online transactions.
The two cases serve as a reminder that cybercrime is no longer confined to metropolitan centres, and that even routine online interactions can carry risks if basic safeguards are ignored.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
