Trusting online advertisements is proving to be riskier than ever. A trader from Adalhat Bazaar in Varanasi, identified as Shivam Srivastava, fell prey to a sophisticated cyber fraud after he came across a Facebook post offering a “Super Distributorship” of Tata Consumer Product Limited. Believing the offer to be genuine, he ended up losing ₹4.5 lakh.
How the fraud unfolded
According to Shivam’s complaint, in December 2024, he saw the Facebook advertisement and immediately contacted the so-called representatives. Over a period of weeks, he was convinced through fake documents, promises, and official-looking communication. Between December 2024 and January 2025, he deposited a total of ₹4.5 lakh into multiple bank accounts. However, the promised dealership rights and supplies never arrived.
Realizing he had been duped, Shivam approached the police. Officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway to trace the fraudsters and the bank accounts used.
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A widening pattern of cyber fraud
This case is not isolated. Similar cyber frauds are emerging across Purvanchal, highlighting a growing pattern of organized digital scams. In Rohania, a doctor was cheated of ₹2.5 lakh under the pretext of medical supplies. In Sevapuri, a garage owner, Ranjit Kumar Patel, reported that ₹75,000 vanished from his bank account through four unauthorized transfers.
Police officials say such scams are thriving because cybercriminals are exploiting loopholes in the banking system while also taking advantage of people’s lack of digital awareness.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh warned that online advertisements and offers on social media platforms are now a weapon for fraudsters. “Unless consumers stay vigilant and companies take strict action against the misuse of their names, these frauds will continue to rise,” he said.
A lesson for users
This case is yet another reminder that no matter how professional or attractive an online offer looks, users must verify directly with the company before investing money. Relying blindly on social media ads can not only lead to financial loss but also encourage cybercriminals to keep expanding their network.