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Australian Woman Scammed of Rs. 4.3 Crore While Searching for Love

February 19, 2025, 3:07 pm

A 57-year-old Perth woman, Annette Ford, was scammed for more than Rs. 4.3 crore ($780,000) by online rogues in pursuit of love. Ford is homeless now and couch-surfing throughout Western Australia after losing all her life savings. She cannot afford a flat in a retirement village, while the scammers remain on the loose.

From Heartbreak to Deception

Ford went online dating in 2018 after her 33-year marriage collapsed. She signed up with Plenty of Fish and soon was chatting with a man called ‘William’. William won her trust over the next few months before asking for money, saying his wallet had been stolen in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“He told me that he had been robbed on the street where he was working and they had stolen his wallet and his cards,” Ford said. His demands increased, and Ford ultimately paid for hospital bills, hotel stays, and salaries for employees he allegedly couldn’t pay because his bank cards were missing.

By the time Ford discovered she had been cheated, she had lost rs. 1.6 crore ($300,000), using up all her self-managed super fund money. She alerted the Australian Federal Police to the scam but got no follow-ups.

Not the First Time

In 2022, Ford was also targeted, but on Facebook. She encountered ‘Nelson’, a man claiming to be from Amsterdam, who said that his FBI friend needed $2500 for an investigation. Despite the initial distrust, Ford was convinced to load money on a Bitcoin ATM. Soon after that, she discovered unauthorized transfers and lost another Rs. 1.5 crore ($280,000).

Now financially broke, Ford is warning others: “They say all the right things, they sweep you off your feet, but they’re going to take your money and leave you broke.”

New Scam in India: Scammers Gain Control of Man’s Phone Screen

January 15, 2025, 1:31 pm

A disturbing pop-up message on one Reddit user’s smartphone recently alerted, “Someone has access to your screen.” The message claims sensitive content has been hidden on the screen to protect it; growing concerns and questions about smartphones’ security ensued. The r/Delhi post gained its share of immediate attention as its users shared fears and advice concerning digital privacy protection.

The warning suggested that an app might be accessing the phone screen without permission and recommended uninstalling “com.samsung.nearme.gamecenter” before restarting the device. However, the Reddit user could not find the app, fueling worries about potential malware or spyware.

What has to be done?
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Social Media Panic

It went on to have over 950 upvotes with lots of comments under it; there was so much anxiety building on digital security. Many people related to that post and added a few handy tips on the safekeeping of the devices. “Delete the app. The library is mentioned in that message,” one commenter wrote. “Go to settings > Apps > click filter button > show system apps > search this app name and click on it. Then select uninstall,” advised another.

One of the users had a more complete guide on that. Here’s the same. “1. Manage all apps 2. Click on 3 dots and select see all apps 3. Search the name which is shown on screen 4. Select the app and uninstall it 5. Restart the phone. Then: • Stop downloading apps from unknown sources • Turn on Play Protect • In Samsung, turn on auto-blocker • Reset all your settings • Avoid unnecessary app permissions • Turn off USB tethering.”

This article is part of a larger pattern of digital fraud targeting Indian users, including the most recent developments in phishing attacks and remote screen access. Some of the scams include impersonating police officers by accusing the victim of various criminal activities and blackmailing them to extract sensitive information or to collect money for staying out of court.

Fake Brad Pitt Scams ₹7 Crore from French Woman with AI Photos, Love Poems

January 14, 2025, 7:55 pm

A scammer impersonating Brad Pitt has deceived another victim, this time a woman in France. By using doctored photos and flattering messages, the cybercriminal convinced a 53-year-old French woman named Anne that she was being courted online by the Hollywood actor. Over the span of a year, she transferred more than 800,000 euros (approximately ₹7 crore) to the scammer.

The individual posing as Pitt contacted Anne on Instagram and fabricated a story, claiming he needed financial assistance for medical treatment because his bank accounts were frozen due to his ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie.

“Brad Pitt”

Anne shared with a local news channel that she first received a message from an account impersonating Brad Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta Pitt, while she was on a ski trip. The following day, “Brad Pitt” himself began messaging her, and the two quickly became friends. Anne, who was married to a millionaire but heading for divorce, continued to receive poems and declarations of love from the fake actor.

She soon believed she was in a long-distance relationship with the real Brad Pitt. “There are so few men who write such things. I liked the man I was talking to and he knew how to talk to women,” she told the media.

To sustain the illusion, the scammer never answered her calls but frequently sent AI-generated videos and images of himself to reinforce the belief that it was truly Brad Pitt communicating with her.

Faked kidney operation

After Anne’s divorce was finalized, she received a compensation of 775,000 euros. The scammer intensified his efforts, sending doctored videos and photos with Brad Pitt’s face, claiming that he was undergoing kidney surgery and needed money. He also promised to send her luxury gifts that never arrived, and the two even discussed getting married soon. Anne’s suspicions grew when she saw reports of Pitt’s relationship with jewelry designer Ines De Ramon.

The news had a profound impact on her, and she was hospitalized for severe depression. Eventually, Anne approached the police and filed a case against the scammer.

Anne was not the first woman to fall victim to the “Brad Pitt” scam. In September of the previous year, five individuals were arrested for scamming two Spanish women out of 325,000 euros. They posed as the actor on WhatsApp and targeted the women through a social media page for fans of the Oscar-winning star.

Indian-Origin Woman Scams Couples Using Fake Wedding Venues: Here’s What Happened

January 9, 2025, 3:18 pm

A 53-year-old Indian-origin South African, who was a disbarred attorney, has been apprehended for allegedly scamming 17 couples across the country by accepting payments for the same wedding venue on the same day. She was tracked down by a private security firm after victims reported the fraud.

The woman, identified as Prelyn Mohanlall by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), was arrested on Tuesday. However, her attorney, Chris Gounden, and family have proposed repaying all the victims, potentially allowing her to avoid jail time for the fraud. RUSA confirmed this in a statement on its Facebook page, adding that arrangements would be made to compensate those with proof of payments.

Mohanlall reportedly convinced couples planning their weddings to pay substantial amounts upfront for a venue she had no association with. On their wedding days, the couples arrived at the supposed venue only to find it abandoned, lacking water and electricity, which ruined their special events.

One couple, who wished to remain anonymous, hired RUSA in December last year to locate Mohanlall. Through social media, RUSA uncovered a total of 17 couples who were similarly deceived.

“Complainants were from various provinces in South Africa. A detective from SAPS Boksburg North (Gauteng province) informed us that the same suspect was wanted for two fraud cases opened in Gauteng in 2024. These included defrauding a car dealership of R200,000 and a couple of R26,000,” said Prem Balram, Head of RUSA.

Mohanlall, during interrogation, claimed she was a criminal attorney disbarred by the Law Society after stealing from a client’s Trust Fund account. Further investigation revealed a criminal record and a history of scams spanning over 20 years.

Speaking to The Post, Mohanlall denied running a scam and claimed her business faced financial difficulties. “It’s not a scam, and I am not a scammer. My company went through so much. Late last year, I had nine cancellations, and I sent letters to each of the couples to notify them of a full refund. But I could not repay them on time because my partners pulled out in October,” she said, adding that she owed nine couples a total of R60,000 and intended to repay them fully.

One victim shared the impact of the fraud, explaining how he and his fiancée had to endure the embarrassment of cancelling their wedding and saving for months to plan it again. “What she ‘stole’ from us drastically affected our planning. What we hoped to be our dream day has now become an event where we have to settle for what we can afford,” he said.

Police Busts Cheating Gang Behind Agri Trainee Exam Scam

January 7, 2025, 2:14 am

A gang involved in cheating during the National Seeds Corporation Limited’s Agri Trainee recruitment exam was busted by Jaipur police. The gang, which included a computer lab operator and several candidates, used an app to get the exam papers solved online. The police arrested 14 individuals, including the accused computer lab operators and candidates, and seized several electronic devices, laptops, admit cards, blank signed cheques, and other materials from the gang.

Gang’s History Of Cheating In Other Exams

The recruitment exam, held on January 5, was marred by online cheating facilitated by the gang. During the investigation, it was revealed that the gang had previously used similar methods in other exams, including the Railway and ASI Promotion exams.

Police Act On Tip-Off About Gang’s Activities

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that the police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) had received a tip-off about the cheating activities. Following this, raids were conducted at multiple centres across the city, including Vedic College Mansarovar, IT Infra Kukas, Heritage Vayuna School Khatipura, and others. During the raids, two suspects, Nitesh Kumar (27) and Sumit Singh (25), were apprehended. Upon interrogation, they revealed that the cheating was being carried out through a computer lab in SJM College, Shastri Nagar.

Gang operated racket since 2022

The police team swiftly reached the computer lab, where they arrested three more individuals: Sandeep Kumar (35), Balbir (35), and Kashmir Jhajhadia (25). The police recovered Rs 1,68,500 in cash, six admit cards, seven signed blank cheques, three laptops, a Wi-Fi router, and other electronic devices from the suspects.

Sandeep Kumar, who operated the cheating racket, revealed that candidates paid Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 to get their papers solved. He also confessed to running the online exam centre since 2022, where he and his associates helped candidates pass exams for various recruitment tests, including the Railway Technician and ASI Promotion exams. Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests expected.

Delhi Man Dupes 700 Women on Bumble, Snapchat Using Brazil Model Photos

January 4, 2025, 6:10 pm

A 23-year-old man in Delhi, Tushar Bisht, has been arrested for apparently extorting a sum of money from 700 women he reportedly targeted on various social media networks, including Bumble and Snapchat. Using such fake profiles posing as a US-based freelance model while using photos from a Brazilian model and a virtual international mobile number, Bisht reportedly deceived most of his targets.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer said that Bisht created elaborate fake identities to connect with women aged 18 to 30 on platforms such as Bumble, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. “Once he gained their trust, he would persuade them to share private photos and videos, which he later used to blackmail them,” the DCP stated. He threatened to splash the sensitive material online or sell it on the dark web unless his victims paid him. The extortion racket came to light on December 13 when a Delhi University student lodged a complaint with the cyber police.

The victim recalled that she had met Bisht on Bumble, where he posed as a US-based model visiting India for work. After blackmailing her with private photos and videos through Snapchat and WhatsApp, he started blackmailing her. The victim repeatedly informed her family and sought help from the authorities after being blackmailed for money.

Bisht, a BBA graduate and technical recruiter at a private firm in Noida, confessed to having used the scheme for financial gains after starting it for amusement. The police recovered incriminating material, including private content, 13 credit cards, and other evidence, from his arrest in Shakarpur. He hails from a middle-class family, with his father being a driver, mother a homemaker, and sister working in Gurugram. He had been running this operation for more than two years, wherein he was using an app to get a virtual international mobile number to do all his frauds, as reported by the police.

This Is How Mumbai Man Uses His Puppy To Fool Scam Caller Posing As Police | WATCH

December 29, 2024, 11:05 am

A Mumbai man has gained attention for turning the tables on a digital scammer in an unusual and humorous way, using his puppy to outsmart a fraudster posing as a police officer. The incident, which unfolded in a video call, was shared on Instagram, where the man’s quick thinking and sense of humour became an instant hit.

The Scam Call

The video begins with a scammer, pretending to be from the Andheri East police station, demanding that the man show his face to prove his identity. The fraudster attempts to create a sense of urgency and authority, hoping to pressure the victim into complying.

Turning the Tables

Instead of following the scammer’s instructions, the man responds with an unexpected twist. He picks up his small puppy and holds it up to the camera. “Yeh lijiye, sir. Aagya main camera ke saamne,” (Here you go, sir. I’m here in front of the camera), he says, holding the puppy closer, as if the dog is the one being interrogated.

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The scammer, clearly caught off guard by this response, begins to laugh awkwardly and quickly turns his face away from the camera. The man, amused by the situation, continues mocking the scammer, saying, “Arey yeh raha main. Arey, thanedaar. Dikhraha hai? Arey nakli vardi,” (Here I am. Hey, Officer. Can you see me? Oh, fake uniform).

The Scam Breaks Down

Flustered and realising he’s been pranked, the scammer abruptly ends the call, disconnecting the video in embarrassment. The video has gone viral, with many people praising the Mumbai man for his wit and creativity in dealing with digital scammers.

Rising Concern Over Digital Arrest Scams

This video comes at a time when digital arrest scams are becoming more common across India. In these scams, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials, often creating a false sense of panic by claiming the victim is involved in a criminal case. They then pressure the victim to make payments to avoid a fake arrest or investigation.

Just days before this incident, a Japanese man residing in Bengaluru was tricked into losing Rs 35.5 lakh after scammers posed as Mumbai police officers. The criminals falsely accused him of being involved in a money laundering case and convinced him to make payments under the guise of a “digital arrest.” Similarly, a Bengaluru techie lost Rs 11.8 crore in a similar scam involving fake police officers.

The Mumbai man’s clever prank highlights the growing issue of digital scams and serves as a reminder to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages from supposed law enforcement officers.

Techie from Bengaluru Scammed of ₹1.3 Crore After Joining Fraudulent Telegram Group

December 29, 2024, 10:02 am

A Bengaluru techie became the victim of an online stock trading scam, losing over ₹1.3 crore after being lured into a fraudulent Telegram group that promised high returns.

How the Scam Unfolded

The victim, who had attended online training sessions about stock market investments, was introduced to a Telegram group managed by a fraudster posing as a trading expert named Surendra Kumar Dubey. The group, which appeared authentic with around 60 members, featured fake profiles sharing screenshots of their supposed profits.

Victim’s Investment Journey

Following the group’s advice, the techie opened a Demat account using a link provided by the group. He made an initial investment of ₹10,000, which doubled within a week. Encouraged by the early returns, he increased his investment, eventually accumulating a profit of ₹1.4 crore.

Withdrawal Attempt and Discovery of Fraud

To test the platform’s legitimacy, the victim withdrew ₹85,036 successfully. However, when he tried to withdraw ₹20 lakh, his account was blocked. Shortly after, the fraudsters deleted the Telegram group and vanished.

Investigation and Police Action

A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have initiated an investigation to trace the perpetrators. Authorities are urging people to exercise caution when investing online and to verify the authenticity of platforms before making any financial commitments.

Marriage Scam: Woman and Her Gang Duped 6 Men Before Getting Caught in Banda

December 25, 2024, 4:52 pm

Four individuals, including two women, have been arrested for their involvement in a marriage scam that targeted single men and involved stealing valuables from their homes. The police arrested Poonam, who posed as a bride, along with Sanjana Gupta, who pretended to be her mother, and two men, Vimalesh Verma and Dharmendra Prajapati, who were responsible for identifying targets and facilitating the fraudulent marriages.

According to police reports, the accused had been running this elaborate scam for several months, during which they duped at least six victims. Vimalesh and Dharmendra would scout for potential grooms, convincing them that they could arrange a marriage for a fee of around Rs 1.5 lakh. The victims were then introduced to Poonam, who would pose as the bride, while Sanjana posed as her mother. The fraudulent couples would conduct a simple court marriage, and soon after, Poonam would accompany the groom to his home. Once there, she would steal cash and jewellery and flee before being noticed.

The scheme came to an end when Shankar Upadhyay, a local man, grew suspicious of the arrangement. According to Upadhyay’s complaint, Vimalesh contacted him and promised to find him a bride for a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh. He agreed to the terms and was introduced to Poonam at the court, but the situation raised alarms when the accused asked him to hand over the money.

Upadhyay, growing wary of their intentions, demanded to see identification proof from both Poonam and Sanjana. He mentioned in his complaint that their behaviour and demeanour seemed suspicious, which led him to refuse the marriage proposal. When he refused to proceed, the accused allegedly threatened him with violence and said they would frame him in false cases if he did not comply. Despite the threats, Upadhyay decided to leave the scene and report the matter to the authorities.

Shiv Raj, the Additional Police Superintendent of Banda, confirmed the arrests and said, “We received a complaint from the victim about the fraudulent marriage scam. Our teams were quickly alerted, and we successfully arrested the four individuals, including the two women, involved in the scam. They had been duping men in the name of marriage and stealing their valuables.”

The police are continuing their investigation into the matter and further legal proceedings are underway.

Chinese Woman Hires Actor To Play Herself On Blind Date, Scams Man of Rs 55 Lakh

December 20, 2024, 2:46 pm

Shocking scam from China has been reported where a married woman hired a series of actors, including one impersonating her, to bilk a man out of a big sum. The incident began on Aug 2022 when a man from Hubei Province was contacted online by a female person known as Xiaoyu, who claimed that the information was found about his wedding planning advertisement.

Over the following month, Xiaoyu declared love for Xin and convinced him to start planning their wedding. She asked her family for a bride price of 188,000 yuan (approximately Rs 22.1 lakh) that followed local traditions.

During January 2023, Xin went to meet her family, bringing gifts of 10,000 yuan (over Rs 1.15 lakh), but Xiaoyu had claimed sickness and did not attend. Despite multiple demands for funds, which included money to pay for her mother’s surgery and gifts for her sister, Xiaoyu refrained from meeting in the flesh and kept Xin assuaged by sending images and speaking to him via phone. At the tail end of the year, Xin had sent over 220,000 yuan (over Rs 25.7 lakh) to her account. In April 2024, Xiaoyu decided to meet Xin in his city but this time with her entire family.

However, on seeing her in person, Xin realized that she did not look the same as in the pictures. Xiaoyu said that those images had been “beautified.” Xin was becoming skeptical but continued buying gifts for her family, which cost him another 40,000 yuan, which is over Rs 4.5 lakh in clothes. He became even more suspicious when he read messages on Xiaoyu’s phone where she complained to a friend that he “constantly asks to meet” and promises to “act according to the script. She then said that her account had been hacked when confronted by Xin. Within a week, her “sister,” Xiaomiao, met Xin and requested him to end the relationship with Xiaoyu because she was depressed. In order to uncover the truth, Xin traveled to the city of Xiaoyu and caught Xiaomiao answering a call meant for Xiaoyu. It was then that Xin realized Xiaomiao was, in fact, the woman he had believed to be Xiaoyu for two years.

According to the Chinese media outlet Jimu News, the scammer, surnamed Zhou, was an unemployed married woman with a child. She had used the money to support her family, hiring actors to portray her relatives and sending Xin pictures of models she had found online. Zhou was arrested in November after she had successfully scammed Xin of 480,000 yuan (approximately Rs 55.3 lakh).

Scammer Lives in Luxury Hotels Since 1996, Finally Arrested in Tamil Nadu

December 12, 2024, 1:35 pm

Bimsent John, a notorious scamster who had duped luxury hotels across India, was arrested in Tamil Nadu on December 7. He had checked into a private hotel in Thoothukudi, claiming he was attending a meeting. John assured the manager he would pay the advance by 9th December and stay up to 12th of December. During his sojourn, he made use of the meals served to him and ran a bill amounting to Rs. 39,298. He left the place without clearing the said amount. The hotel management alerted the local police to catch John. The investigations proved that John had deceived many hotels in Kollam, Thane and Delhi from the year 1996.

According to Money Control, 49 cases were registered against him in India and abroad. Additionally, John has a prior conviction and was imprisoned for five years for the same crimes. After his last arrest when he was detained for robbing the County Inn hotel in Manipal, the judges ruled to keep him in judicial custody for another 14 days as investigation continues.

Police Superintendent Dr. Arun K explained that Bimsent John hails from Tamil Nadu and had rented a room in County Inn. “He had cases against him in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, and other places,” the Superintendent said, during interrogation we found that he used to stay in star hotels and cheat them. He knows good English and wears smart clothes to hoodwink hotels. He has been doing this since 1996, and 49 cases have been registered against him,” Public TV reported.

Also Read: Chinese Man Cons 63 Hotels For Free Stays

In a similar case earlier this year, Jhansi Rani Samuel was arrested for allegedly scamming a Pullman Hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity for nearly Rs. 6 lakh. The hotel staff reported that Samuel had used a fake identity card under the name Isha Dave to access the spa. She also took advantage of services worth Rs. 2,11,708, claiming to pay through the ICICI Bank UPI app, though it was later revealed that the payments were never processed.

She has been changing her statements. She also told one of the investigators that she is a doctor. She then said she had lived in New York. We don’t know what to believe. We have asked local staff at her hometown to approach her family and provide us details of her job and parents/spouse,” police said.

Samuel, who had stayed at the luxury hotel for 15 days without paying her bills, became aggressive when staff attempted to stop her from leaving. She claimed to be married but later said she had divorced.

Bengaluru Woman Outsmarts Scamming Cab Driver With This Reverse-UNO Trick

December 5, 2024, 12:30 pm

A Bengaluru resident recently shared how she outwitted a cab driver attempting to scam her, without escalating the situation. She took to Reddit to recount the experience after booking a Rapido ride from Central College to Hoodi. The fare displayed on the app was Rs. 385, but the driver had a low rating of 2.6. Despite the rating, she decided to proceed with the ride, given the rain and the cab’s proximity.

The ride was incident-free until the driver let her off and demanded Rs. 600. He had a screenshot to back up his claim, which, upon close inspection, was from an earlier ride. Meanwhile, her app still showed that the trip was still going on and had not deviated in route or added extra stops to warrant the additional fare.

Scam Exposed

He complicated things even further by logging out of his account and into a different one. Here he had an empty ride history while he continued to argue about the inflated fare. Having now seen this scam, the commuter opted not to confront him but instead to play along to de-escalate the situation.

She calmly sympathized with the driver, saying she would pay whatever the app showed, even if it was Rs. 1,000. She cooperated with all his requests—logging in and out, connecting to home WiFi, and even pretending to call Rapido’s SOS service.

“I played along, telling him I’d pay whatever fare was shown in my app, even if it was Rs. 1,000. I checked everything he asked—logged in and out, connected to home WiFi, and even pretended to call Rapido SOS,” she wrote in her Reddit post.

She finally said, “I’d pay Rs. 385 now and GPay the rest once the app updated. That reverse-UNO of sympathy worked!”

20 minutes passed, going back and forth. She accepted the original fare of Rs. 385 and left. Then the app updated, showing that the fare was indeed Rs. 385. She was correct in suspecting the scam.

Cab Scam Alert: My Tactical Escape
byu/Sharp-Celery-6745 inbangalore

Reactions of Reddit Users

Reddit users were quick to praise the commuter for her calm and composed handling of the scam attempt. Many expressed admiration for her patience in defusing the situation without confronting the driver.

One of the users commented, “It’s unfortunate that scams like this happen, but you did a smart job staying composed and not letting the driver push you into paying more.”

Others pointed out that while low-rated drivers are often a risk, the way she avoided conflict was impressive. Some users also suggested she file a complaint against the driver to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Mumbai Woman Scammed of Rs. 1.7 Lakh, Forced to Strip | Detailed Incident

December 1, 2024, 12:20 pm

In a shocking incident of digital fraud, a 26-year-old woman from Borivali East, Mumbai, was duped of Rs. 1.7 lakh and forced to strip during a video call by scammers posing as Delhi Police officers.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, the scammers contacted the woman on November 19 and claimed that her name had surfaced in an investigation related to money laundering, connected to Naresh Goyal, the jailed founder of Jet Airways.

The scammers threatened her with arrest and moved the conversation to a video call, informing her that she was under ‘digital arrest’. They told her to book a hotel room for further interrogation. Once at the hotel, the scammers instructed her to transfer Rs. 1,78,000 to verify her bank details. They also demanded she strip during the video call for a supposed body verification. Following their instructions, the woman transferred the money and complied with their demands.

Realizing she had been scammed, the woman filed a complaint with the police on November 28. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhit and the Information Technology Act, and the investigation is ongoing.

This case follows a similar scam involving Naresh Goyal’s name, where Shri Paul Oswal, chairman of Vardhman Group, was conned out of Rs. 7 crore. The fraudsters also used the ‘digital arrest’ tactic in that case.

What is ‘Digital Arrest’?

‘Digital arrest’ is a new type of scam where the fraudsters convince the victim that they are under a virtual arrest and must remain connected to them through a video or audio call. The scammers tell the victim that they cannot inform anyone about the arrest, and surveillance continues until the money is transferred to the fraudsters. Police have issued several advisories stating that ‘digital arrest’ is not real. However, the increasing number of such incidents suggests that the message has not reached many people, especially senior citizens, who are less familiar with technology. Recently, these scammers have started targeting younger adults as well.

IIT Bombay Student Scammed of Rs. 7 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud

November 27, 2024, 11:51 am

A student from IIT Bombay fell victim to a cyber scam, losing Rs. 7.29 lakh after being coerced by fraudsters impersonating government officials, the police reported on Tuesday.

‘Digital arrest’ is an emerging cyber fraud technique where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials or government agency employees. Through intimidating audio or video calls, they coerce victims into making payments under the guise of legal penalties or procedural requirements.

How the Scam Unfolded

The incident began in July when the 25-year-old student received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced themselves as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) employee and falsely claimed that 17 complaints of illegal activity were registered against the student’s mobile number, according to an official from the Powai police station in Mumbai.

The caller threatened that the student’s number would be deactivated unless a no-objection certificate (NOC) was obtained from the police. To escalate the ruse, the caller transferred the conversation to someone posing as a Cyber Crime Branch official.

“A WhatsApp video call then showed a man dressed as a police officer. He demanded the victim’s Aadhaar number and alleged that he was involved in money laundering. He coerced the student into transferring Rs. 29,500 via unified payments interface (UPI),” the official said.

Escalation of Fraud

The next day, the scammers contacted the student again, threatening him with ‘digital arrest’ and prohibiting him from communicating with anyone. This time, they demanded more money. Intimidated, the student provided his bank account details, enabling the fraudsters to withdraw Rs. 7 lakh. After receiving the funds, they assured the student he was safe and would not face arrest.

The student grew suspicious after conducting an online search about the concept of ‘digital arrest.’ Realizing he had been scammed, he approached the police and lodged a complaint against the unidentified fraudsters. Investigations are underway to trace the culprits.

This incident highlights the need for increased awareness about emerging cyber scams and the tactics fraudsters use to exploit victims.

Mumbai Cyber Fraud: Retired Ship Captain Rs 11.16 Cr Loss In Fake Stock Market Investment

November 27, 2024, 11:37 am

A shocking case of cyber fraud saw a retired ship captain from theColaba area of Mumbai lose a staggering Rs 11.16 crore to fraudsters promising him massive returns in the stock market. The 75-year-old victim, Zhakshis Kosa Wadia, has lodged a complaint with the South Regional Cyber Cell, which is now investigating the case.

How the Fraud Unfolded

The fraud started on 19 August 2024, when Wadia was added to a WhatsApp group called “Motilal Oswal Investment Club 17.” As time passed, the initial group, which seemed like a genuine investment advice providing stock market platform, started gaining the trust of Wadia.

Wadia was then sent a link to open an account under the name Motilal Oswal OTC. After opening the account, he was contacted by a woman named Ananya Smith, who introduced herself as an investment guide. Smith convinced Wadia to make large investments, promising high returns and offering continuous updates on his investment progress.

A Total of Rs 11.16 Crore Transferred

Acting on Smith’s advice, Wadia transferred a total of Rs 11,16,61,161 across 22 different bank accounts for his investments. The fraudsters even created a fake app to show Wadia significant profits on his investments, further fueling his belief in the legitimacy of the scheme.

Fraudsters Demand 20% Tax Payment

The situation took a turn when Wadia tried to withdraw his funds and was told by Ananya Smith that he needed to pay a 20% tax on his profits. This demand raised red flags for Wadia, prompting him to contact the Motilal Oswal company directly. Upon inquiry, he learned that the entire investment scheme was fraudulent, and the company had no association with the individuals involved.

Cyber Cell Investigation Underway

Realizing he had been scammed, Wadia promptly filed a complaint with the South Regional Cyber Cell. The Cyber Cell is currently pursuing an investigation, attempting to track down the culprits behind the fraud. At present, the two suspects remain unidentified.

This case highlights the growing concerns over cyber fraud targeting individuals, particularly older adults, through seemingly trustworthy investment platforms. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of such investment opportunities to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

British Company Launches ‘AI Granny’ to Waste Scammers’ Time

November 18, 2024, 3:57 pm

Virgin Media O2 has introduced Daisy, an AI-powered chatbot designed to combat scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Modeled after a wise and witty grandmother, Daisy engages with scammers, wasting their time and disrupting their operations. This automated process, known as “scambaiting,” involves Daisy answering scam calls and leading fraudsters into lengthy conversations, ultimately reducing the success of scams.

About ‘Daisy’

Daisy was specifically created to impersonate an elderly adult, as older people are often targeted by scammers due to perceived lack of tech-savviness. With her ability to work non-stop, Daisy is a formidable opponent in preventing fraud. As she says in her introductory video, “While they’re busy talking to me, they can’t be scamming you, and let’s face it, dear, I’ve got all the time in the world.”

The AI is designed as a photorealistic elderly woman with grey hair, glasses, and pearls, chatting on a retro pink landline phone. In the video, Daisy engages with scammers, avoiding sensitive personal information while steering conversations toward topics like her cat Fluffy and knitting hobbies. Frustrated scammers are shown becoming irritated by her relentless rambling and false personal details.

Watch Here:

Daisy’s persona is crafted using advanced AI, including a custom large language model that transcribes and responds to callers. Virgin Media O2’s anti-fraud team ensures scammers add Daisy to their contact lists. Her persona, inspired by a real-life grandmother, proves effective in the fight against fraud.

O2 believes Daisy plays a crucial role in both disrupting scams and educating the public about fraud tactics. “By tricking criminals into thinking they are defrauding a real person and playing on their biases about older people, Daisy has exposed common scams and helped protect potential victims,” O2 stated.

US Woman Claims Indian Students Pursuing Masters in the US Are Falling for a Debt-Inducing Scam

November 16, 2024, 6:50 pm

A 26-year-old American woman recently shared her views on Reddit about the rising number of Indian students enrolling in Master’s programs at U.S. universities. In a post that garnered significant attention, she voiced concerns that many of these students might be unknowingly pursuing a path she described as misleading.

Drawing from her experience working at a U.S. university, where she used employee benefits to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science, she noticed that nearly all of her classmates were Indian. “I immediately realised that the students in the programme were 99% Indian,” she remarked, noting that such a high concentration of international students was unusual for a school that wasn’t considered a “target” institution.

Motivations and Challenges

Through conversations with her peers, the Reddit user learned that many Indian students were motivated by the belief that an American degree would secure them a visa and job. However, she expressed doubts about the feasibility of this route, given the already competitive job market. “I kind of feel like it’s going to be really hard for all of these kids to get jobs in the US—it’s already hard for American kids,” she said, emphasizing the challenges that international graduates face.

Uncertain Futures

One of her main concerns was the financial burden these students carry. She wrote, “They are coming here going into debt, the professors aren’t even good, and they probably won’t be able to get a job in the US.” She described this pursuit as a high-risk venture with uncertain rewards, likening it to a “scam.” “I feel bad for them, honestly,” she added, acknowledging that many students might not fully understand the difficulties they’ll face after graduation.

Cultural Differences and Classroom Etiquette The Reddit user also touched upon the cultural differences in the classroom. “The other thing is the Indian kids have brutal classroom etiquette; they are loudly talking while the professor is, which would never ever be tolerated in a typical American classroom,” she noted, pointing out another layer of complexity in studying alongside a majority of international students.

Social Media Reactions

Her post sparked a heated debate, receiving nearly 590 upvotes and over 200 comments. Responses varied, with some users agreeing with her concerns and others defending the ambitions of international students.

One user commented, “The situation is complicated, but you have to admire their drive.” Another added, “Debt and visa issues are a harsh reality, but it’s not all doom and gloom for everyone.” A third user remarked, “It’s not a scam but a self-reinforced delusion that many Indian students go through. Come to America for MS, any university, work 3 years on OPT, make tons of money. Get the H-1B, make more money. If no H-1B, go back to school or go to Canada. And then rinse and repeat. If only it all worked this way.”

Mumbai ATM Scams: ICICI Bank Secures Rs 9.5 Lakh Recovered from International Scam

November 10, 2024, 11:47 am

In a recent court decision, ICICI Bank was granted permission to claim over INR 9.51 lakh recovered from three Romanian nationals involved in widespread ATM fraud. The decision, issued by a sessions court, overturned an earlier ruling by the metropolitan magistrate court in Kurla, Mumbai, which had denied the bank’s request due to insufficient proof.

Background: ATM Fraud Case and Recovery of Stolen Funds

The VB Nagar police had previously arrested three Romanian nationals accused of orchestrating ATM card fraud across nearly 500 cases. Authorities recovered INR 28.54 lakh from the accused, and a portion of these funds—INR 15.45 lakh—was allocated to the Bandra police station per the magistrate court’s order. The remaining INR 13.08 lakh was held by the police, out of which INR 9.51 lakh was connected to disputed ICICI Bank transactions. As ICICI Bank had already reimbursed the stolen amounts to its affected customers, it sought to retrieve INR 9.51 lakh through the legal process.

Sessions Court Reverses Magistrate’s Decision

Initially, the magistrate court had dismissed ICICI Bank’s plea, citing the need for additional proof, such as the serial numbers of the recovered notes and further details of the fraudulent transactions. However, the sessions court ruled that the magistrate’s decision was erroneous, stating that the recovered funds should have been provisionally returned to the bank. With this ruling, the sessions court has directed the police to hand over the funds to ICICI Bank, allowing the bank to recover part of its losses from the extensive ATM fraud scheme.

‘Fake Stock Trading Experts’: Rs 96.8 Lakh Scam In Maharashtra, Senior Citizen Loses Money In 19 Day

November 4, 2024, 1:31 pm

A 61-year-old man from Raigad fell victim to a major financial scam, losing nearly Rs 96.8 lakh in just 19 days. The scammers lured him with promises of high returns through stock trading, leading to a significant financial loss for the senior citizen.

How the Fraud Unfolded

The incident began in August when the man, while browsing online, sought advice on stock trading through artificial intelligence-generated recommendations. His search led him to a website that prompted him to submit his name and contact information. Soon after, he received a link from an unknown number, which directed him to a WhatsApp group.

In the group, an admin posing as a “chief strategic analyst” instructed him to open a trading account, requiring him to provide sensitive banking details. The scammers convinced him that he could earn up to 20% profit daily, gradually urging him to increase his investments. Between September 18 and October 5, he transferred Rs 96.8 lakh, trusting in the promised lucrative returns.

Police Investigation Underway

After realizing the fraud, the victim filed a police complaint. Authorities have begun investigating the case, aiming to track down the individuals behind the AI-based trading scam and prevent similar incidents in the future.

‘Blinkit Gold Coin Scam’, Man Received 0.5 GM Gold Coin Instead Of 1 GM Of This Brand

October 29, 2024, 3:55 pm

A Delhi resident, Mohit Jain, has publicly expressed frustration after claiming to have been “scammed” by Blinkit, a popular quick-commerce platform, when he ordered precious metals. Jain, who ordered a one-gram gold coin and a ten-gram silver coin from the Gurgaon-based platform, discovered that instead of the one-gram gold coin he paid for, he received a 0.5-gram version. His disappointment with Blinkit’s response led him to voice his concerns on social media.

Incident Unfolds with Order Mix-Up

Jain shared that the mix-up became apparent once he returned home shortly after his brother had received the delivery. Despite his specific order for a one-gram Mata Lakshmi gold coin, he found that a 0.5-gram rose design coin had been delivered instead. Immediately attempting to resolve the issue, Jain contacted Blinkit’s customer support, only to be met with automated responses as the complaint window had closed within 20 minutes of delivery. His CCTV footage, as well as pictures of the delivered item, reportedly support his claim of an incorrect delivery.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Got scammed by blinkit
I ordered 1 gm gold coin from blinkit, along with the 1gm silver coin. It was all prepaid. I wasn’t there at home to receive the order, so I gave the otp to my younger brother to get it received. After 20 mins I reached home and saw wrong item was… pic.twitter.com/N15wSfIhpt

— Mohit Jain (@MohitJa30046159) October 29, 2024

Customer Support Complaints Surface

Frustrated by his inability to speak with a live representative, Jain shared screenshots of the automated customer support messages he received. Blinkit’s customer support offered an apology and asked for feedback but closed the complaint window, leaving Jain without a resolution. On social media, others echoed his dissatisfaction, with some warning against ordering high-value items from the platform. Another user criticized Blinkit’s customer support as ineffective, calling it “a joke.”

Jain’s experience has garnered significant attention, as users tag the platform in hopes of gaining a response.

Choreographer Remo D’Souza And Wife Lizelle Face Cheating Allegations: Rs 11.96 Crore Scam

October 20, 2024, 11:40 am

Renowned choreographer Remo D’Souza and his wife, Lizelle, have found themselves embroiled in a serious controversy after being accused of cheating a dance troupe out of ₹11.96 crore. A complaint filed by a 26-year-old dancer has prompted legal action against the couple and several others.

Allegations of Fraud and Cheating

According to a report by PTI, the dancer has named Remo D’Souza, Lizelle, and five other individuals in his complaint. The allegations suggest that the couple, along with the other accused, engaged in forgery and cheating under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 465 (forgery) and Section 420 (cheating).

The FIR states that the dancer and his troupe were defrauded in 2018 and again in 2024. The complaint alleges that after winning a popular reality dance show, the accused falsely claimed ownership of the troupe and misappropriated their prize money, which amounted to ₹11.96 crore.

Investigation Underway

The police are currently investigating the case, which also includes allegations against Omprakash Shankar Chouhan, Rohit Jadhav, Frame Production Company, Vinod Raut, a policeman, and Ramesh Gupta. As of now, Remo D’Souza has not publicly commented on the matter.

D’Souza’s Background

Remo D’Souza is a celebrated choreographer known for his work in films such as Chameli, Dhoom, Rock On!!, Student Of The Year 2 and Bajirao Mastani,. He has also been a prominent judge on various dance reality shows, including Dance India Dance and Dance Plus.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

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In addition to his choreography work, D’Souza is set to make his directorial debut with the film Be Happy, which stars Raghav Juyal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Abhishek Bachchan, and Nora Fatehi. The release date for the film has yet to be announced, but it is expected to stream on Prime Video.

As the investigation progresses, the dance community and fans await further developments in this high-profile case.

Money Vanishes from 1,500 Post Office Accounts: Deposits Range from 2 Lakhs to 12 Lakhs

October 18, 2024, 1:44 pm

Over 1,500 villagers in Bageshwar district have reportedly lost nearly ₹2 crore in an alleged scam at the Simgarhi sub-post office, which operates under the Kameridevi post office. The fraud was discovered when account holders noticed discrepancies in their balances after the postmaster vanished without a trace.

Villagers Demand Answers

On Thursday, residents from nearby villages, including Majhera, Simgarhi, Chipchipiya, and Pathkyuda, gathered at the Kameridevi post office to confront authorities about their missing funds. Many were left shocked and anxious as they checked their account balances.

In response to the crisis, postal authorities have urged calm and assured villagers that a thorough investigation is underway. Rajesh Binwal, Chief Postal Superintendent of the Almora region, confirmed the inquiry, stating, “We have dispatched a team to investigate, and all facts will be revealed soon. Action will be taken against those involved.”

Victims Share Their Stories

Among the victims is 70-year-old Sharda Devi, who had saved ₹2 lakh over four years. “I saved every rupee. My daughter sent some money from Delhi, and I added my old-age pension. Now the account shows only ₹2,000,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. Many elderly villagers like Devi relied on the post office for their savings due to the distance to the nearest bank.

Another victim, Ramesh Rathore, had deposited ₹12 lakh in fixed deposits over the years. “I’ve been saving for decades, and now they say my balance is zero. How will we survive?” he lamented.

Madan Singh, who contributed to a recurring deposit (RD) account since 2015, was devastated to find that his passbook, which once showed ₹3 lakh, now reflected only ₹33. “When I saw the balance, the ground slipped from under my feet. I’ve been cheated out of everything,” he expressed.

Village head Uttam Rathore, who organized the affected villagers at the post office, stated, “Most of the post office staff are missing or on leave. The people’s entire savings are gone.”

Kanpur Couple Defrauds Elderly Of Rs. 35 Crore With Fake ‘Age-Reversing’ Machine

October 4, 2024, 12:53 pm

A couple in Kanpur, identified as Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey, allegedly defrauded over two dozen elderly people of Rs. 35 crore by convincing them they had an “Israel-made time machine” capable of reversing the aging process, according to The Times of India.

Operating a therapy center called ‘Revival World’ in Kidwai Nagar, the couple lured clients by promoting an “oxygen therapy” that they claimed would counter the harmful effects of pollution and aging. The high pollution levels in Kanpur, they argued, had accelerated the aging process, and their therapy could make clients appear 25 years old again.

ACP Anjali Vishwakarma explained that each session in the so-called time machine was priced at Rs. 90,000. She further revealed that the scheme had evolved into a pyramid structure, where customers were offered discounts if they referred others, thus broadening the scam’s reach.

One of the victims, Renu Singh Chandel, who filed a complaint, mentioned, “I was offered a free session if I introduced the service to others,” adding that she had brought several people in for the treatment.

So far, police have recorded 25 cases related to the scam, with more likely to surface as the investigation continues. Law enforcement is currently searching for Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey, who are on the run. An FIR has been registered against them, and airports have been alerted to prevent any attempts to flee the country.

‘Israel Made Time Machine’ Helping You To Age Back In Kanpur Goes Viral

October 4, 2024, 12:11 pm

A shocking scam in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has left dozens of elderly victims defrauded of approximately ₹35 crore by a couple who claimed to possess an ‘Israel-made time machine’ capable of reversing the effects of aging.

The Dubeys’ Deceptive Therapy Center

Rajeev Kumar Dubey and his wife, Rashmi Dubey, operated their fraudulent activities from a so-called therapy center named Revival World in the Kidwai Nagar area of Kanpur. The couple lured senior citizens with promises of rejuvenation through a miraculous ‘time machine’ they claimed to have imported from Israel.

The Pitch: Age Reversal Through Oxygen Therapy

The Dubeys marketed their scheme as a solution to the adverse effects of pollution, asserting that their oxygen therapy could restore youthfulness. They offered enticing packages: ₹6,000 for ten sessions and ₹90,000 for a three-year reward system.

Senior police official Anjali Vishwakarma stated, “They convinced gullible elderly individuals that too much pollution in the air was accelerating their aging process, and with their therapy, they could regain their youth in just a few months.”

A Pyramid Scheme Unveiled

As the investigation unfolds, it has come to light that the Dubeys transformed their operation into a pyramid scheme. Victims were incentivized to recruit others into the program, promising them free sessions for each new customer they brought in.

One victim, Renu Singh Chandel, reported losing a staggering ₹10.75 lakh to the scam. She claimed that the couple’s deceptive practices extended to numerous other individuals, with police estimating that around 25 couples fell victim to their con.

The Hunt for the Dubeys

The couple is currently on the run, with authorities fearing they may have fled the country. A search operation is underway, and airports have been alerted to prevent them from escaping. The investigation continues as police aim to bring the Dubeys to justice and recover the defrauded funds for their victims.

Fake ‘Brad Pitt’ Scams 2 Women, Dupes Them Of ₹3 Crore In Romance Fraud

September 24, 2024, 5:05 pm

Spanish police have arrested five individuals in connection with a large-scale fraud operation in which two women were defrauded of €325,000 (over ₹3 crore). The scammers, posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, lured the victims through emails and WhatsApp messages, claiming romantic interest and convincing them to invest in fake projects.

The Scam: Emotional Manipulation and False Promises

The fraudsters initiated contact with the victims via a Brad Pitt fan page. They gained the women’s trust through persistent communication, using emotional manipulation to convince them to make large financial contributions to non-existent business ventures. By building a false sense of romance, the criminals managed to extract significant sums of money from their victims.

Targeting Vulnerable Victims

According to Spanish authorities, the scammers meticulously studied their victims’ online presence, especially on social media, to identify emotionally vulnerable individuals. “The cybercriminals created psychological profiles of their targets, discovering that both women were emotionally fragile, in need of affection, and suffering from depression,” a spokesperson from Spain’s Guardia Civil told The Guardian.

One victim, from Andalusia, lost €175,000 (around ₹2 crore), while the other, from the Basque Country, was defrauded of €150,000 (over ₹1 crore).

Police Raids and Seizures

Following a detailed investigation, Spanish police conducted raids in several provinces, including Almería, Málaga, Vizcaya, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Huelva, and Seville. During the operation, authorities seized key pieces of evidence, such as mobile phones, computers, bank cards, and even a diary containing scripted phrases used to deceive the victims.

Fortunately, police were able to recover €85,000 (approximately ₹80,000), providing some financial relief to the victims.

A Growing Trend of Celebrity Scams

This case is part of a broader trend of fraud involving cybercriminals impersonating celebrities. In January, a 63-year-old woman was similarly scammed by fraudsters posing as Hollywood actor Kevin Costner. After following a Facebook page she believed belonged to Costner, she was asked to purchase a £100 voucher to become an “official fan.”

Authorities continue to warn the public about the rise of such scams, particularly those exploiting emotional vulnerability and celebrity impersonation.

This case serves as a reminder to be cautious of online interactions, particularly with individuals who claim to be celebrities or promise romantic relationships.

Scammers Pose As Brad Pitt, Swindle Two Women Out Of Rs. 3 Crore In Spain

September 24, 2024, 3:32 pm

A group of scammers impersonating Hollywood star Brad Pitt deceived two women in Spain into believing they were in romantic relationships with him. The criminals managed to extract €325,000 (approximately Rs. 3 Crore) from the victims. Recently, Spain’s national police, the Guardia Civil, arrested five individuals connected to this scam.

Psychological Manipulation

Reports indicate that the group initially reached out to the women through a fan website dedicated to Pitt, convincing them of a connection with the real actor. They further persuaded the victims to invest in various fictitious projects.

According to the Guardian, authorities reported that the cybercriminals studied the victims’ social media profiles, creating psychological profiles that revealed both women were vulnerable, emotionally needy, and in a state of depression. The scammers utilized instant messaging platforms to communicate with the women, leading them to believe they were chatting via WhatsApp with Brad Pitt himself, who promised them a romantic relationship and a future together.

How Much Did The Victims Lose?

One victim, a woman from Andalusia, lost €175,000 (approximately Rs. 1.60 Crore), while another from the Basque Country lost €150,000 (approximately Rs. 1.40 Crore) in the same scheme. After the scam was uncovered, Spanish authorities acted swiftly, arresting five individuals in Andalusia, including the main leaders of the operation.

Police Investigation

During their investigation, the Guardia Civil raided five locations, confiscating several items such as mobile phones, bank cards, two computers, and a diary containing phrases used by the scammers to manipulate their victims. Reports indicate that police recovered at least €85,000 (approximately Rs. 79 Lakh) that had been taken from the two women under the guise of being Brad Pitt.

Similar Incident

In a similar incident, a middle-aged woman from Granada was convinced she was about to marry the actor. Her lawyer, Antonio Estella Aroza, initially dismissed her story as a joke. The scammer had persuaded her to transfer €170,000 (approximately Rs. 1.50 Crore), promising to visit her for their wedding. However, when he failed to show up, the woman realized something was amiss and filed a complaint against the fraud.

Woman’s Viral Video Exposes Book My Show Queue ‘Scam’, Coldplay Fans Echo: ‘Happened To Us Too’

September 23, 2024, 6:51 pm

Coldplay fans in India were left disappointed after facing chaos while attempting to book tickets for the band’s highly anticipated India tour on Sunday. Content creator Simone Khambatta took to Instagram to post a video criticizing BookMyShow’s flawed ticketing system.

In the video, Simone discussed the enormous queues for Coldplay’s upcoming concerts in Mumbai, which are part of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour. Tickets went live on Sunday at noon, with a third show added later in the day. Many fans were met with queues of hundreds of thousands of people ahead of them. Meanwhile, tickets appeared on third-party sites at inflated prices. Simone questioned how these platforms secured so many tickets. “The strange part is that before the tickets even sold out on BookMyShow, viagogo was selling them at 5x the price,” she stated.

Watch the video here:

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A post shared by Simone (@simone.khambatta)

Simone explained that she had logged in 30 minutes before the sale began and had multiple devices ready. However, people who logged in after her ended up ahead in the queue. “My friend logged in after me… she was at 4765 in the queue, and I was at 567432. How is this even fair?” she asked.

In the caption, Simone vented her frustration at BookMyShow, writing, “@bookmyshowin HOW did you let @viagogo get away with this !!!”

Simone’s video, which has garnered over 4 million views, has resonated with many fans and celebrities. Some shared their similar experiences, while others joked about the extensive attention given to a single concert. One fan commented, “Seriously I am so disappointed… waited for my turn and by 2:00 pm it says 8,30,745 like wtf.”

Coldplay will perform at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on January 18, 19, and 21 as part of their world tour. The band, consisting of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion, is known for hits like Fix You and Viva La Vida.

Tinder Scam: Mumbai Woman Loses Rs. 3.37 Lakh, What Happened Next…

September 22, 2024, 6:11 pm

A 43-year-old Mumbai woman was allegedly defrauded of ₹3.37 lakh by a man she met on a dating app, police reported on Friday. The victim, an art director, connected with someone named ‘Advait’ on Tinder in the previous month, and they began exchanging messages, according to a police official.

The man claimed he was abroad but would visit Mumbai on September 16 to meet her. On that date, she received a call from someone posing as a customs official from Delhi, who informed her that her friend Advait had been detained at the airport with a large sum of Euros.

The fake official instructed her to pay ₹3.37 lakh via UPI to secure Advait’s release, which she complied with, as mentioned in her complaint. Later, she was asked to transfer an additional ₹4.99 lakh to a bank account.

Upon visiting her bank to transfer the money, an attentive official inquired about the reason and, recognizing the situation as a scam, warned her. As a result, a case of fraud was filed at Versova police station, and an investigation is underway, the police official added.

In a similar case, a 33-year-old Malad resident was scammed out of ₹2.45 lakh by a man she met through a dating app. Posing as a UK-based doctor, he claimed to be detained at customs in India and promised to repay her once he was released.

Man Tricks Australian Tourist In Delhi, Steals Money By Forcing Toy On Him

September 21, 2024, 2:23 pm

An Australian vlogger, Ben, recently shared his experience in Delhi, sparking a heated debate among viewers. In his video, Ben labeled Delhi as the “Scam City” of Asia, expressing his dislike for the city. While some viewers supported his viewpoint, others accused him of unfairly tarnishing India’s image to gain views.

Ben’s Perspective on Delhi

Ben, who had previously sworn never to return to Delhi after a bad experience, was persuaded by fellow vlogger ⁠‪@baldandbankrupt‬ to give the city another try. “I returned to my least favourite city in the world, Delhi! After a bad experience last time here in India, I swore never to return; however, @baldandbankrupt asked me to join him on one last adventure. Will it be the same as last time? Let’s find out!” Ben wrote in the video description.

In the video, Ben recounts how he dislikes visiting India. The “scam” mentioned in the video title occurs when Ben tries to buy a Rs. 150 toy from a street vendor. He hands the vendor a Rs. 500 note, and the man calls over another vendor to get change. However, the second vendor returns Rs. 200 instead of Rs. 300 and throws another toy at Ben, completing the scam.

Take a look at the entire vlog here:

Viewers’ Mixed Reactions

Since being uploaded, the video has amassed over 6.7 lakh views and continues to attract attention, sparking a wide range of reactions.

Some YouTube users formed a negative opinion of India based on this video. One commenter shared, “I’ve been to India once and hated it so much I left and swore to never go back. I went with an open mind, and it was worse than I could ever imagine.” Another user reacted similarly, stating, “Just watching the video gave me a headache.”

Backlash Against Ben’s Portrayal of India

While some supported Ben’s take, others expressed displeasure, accusing him of showing India in a negative light. One user commented, “You guys are determined to suffer. The cheapest ticket on any train in India will be an experience you won’t soon forget—a horrible idea. Also, wandering around Delhi buying booze for street people is not very smart. You will have colourful experiences. Besides, you could fly in perfect comfort non-stop to Varanasi for under a hundred bucks. I suppose suffering and complaining is your stock in trade.”

Another critic pointed out the financial motivation behind the video, saying, “If you hate the country, why are you going there? To get YouTube views from these people = YouTube $$$$$… stop complaining!!”

Past Controversial Videos on India

Previously, UK-based vlogger Benjamin Rich, known for his YouTube channel Bald and Bankrupt, shared a video titled “I visited India so you don’t have to.” In the video, Rich documented his travels around Delhi and parts of Kolkata, showcasing the less glamorous side of the cities. His portrayal of India in that video also led to a mixed reaction from viewers.