BENGALURU: While complaints pertaining to online frauds continue to gather dust in the city, Bengaluru Rural police have busted a gang that would siphon off money on the pretext of selling used vehicles. One
Nigerian national has been arrested and cops are on the look out for his associates.
The gang came under police radar after a farmer from Doddaballapur lodged a complaint stating that he had been cheated of Rs 4.28 lakh, which was meant for buying a car in an online marketplace. Gururaj of Shakaladevapura was searching online for a used car when he came across an advertisement posted by the conmen in a shopping portal. Gururaj zeroed in on a multi-utility vehicle and, on July 9, had called on the contact numbers given to ascertain if the vehicle was still available for sale.
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While many online platforms have made buying and selling products easier and eliminated middlemen, users must be aware of the strong possibility of fraud in such deals and take precautions to avoid becoming victims of conmen. In the recent past, there have been a slew of such cases of people falling prey to these scams. Prospective buyers/sellers of items on these platforms should do due diligence before transferring money, much as we would do in the offline world.
“The man who picked the call, introduced himself as Anthony and confirmed availability of the car. He said he only knew English and was unable to continue the communication with Gururaja, and roped in a woman, Priya Ramachandra, to converse with him,” an officer said.
Priya called Gururaja the same day and said they’ll show the car once he deposits Rs 49,000 advance in a bank account mentioned by them. Not suspecting foul play, he deposited the cash and called her to show the vehicle. She told him that the car was parked at Kempegowda International Airport and Rs 3.78 lakh had to be paid as parking fee due to get it released. Gururaja got suspicious and told her to return Rs 49,000.
“However, she sent some fake ID proofs of her and gradually gained his confidence. He deposited the remaining amount to eight different bank accounts. The accused told him to deposit in banks as the latter was not familiar with online transactions,” a police officer said.
Gururaja realised that he was duped when he did not get the car and the accused remained incommunicado after taking the cash. He later lodged a complaint with Doddabelavangala police.
Acting on the complaint and information available, police arrested 32-year-old Paul L from Nigeria who was residing in TC Palya. Cops have recovered Rs 60,000 from him and are looking for his two aides from Nigeria and a local woman.
Police said at least 50 complaints of online frauds pertaining to vehicle shopping have been reported in the last six months. In July 2017, cyber crime police arrested a Nigerian, Augustein Oniyamu, for
online fraud.
(Picture used for representational purpose)
