Mumbai doctor scammed, loses Rs 5 lakh in cyber car scam: Authorities launch investigation

In a distressing turn of events, Mumbai-based Dr. Prabhat Shah, a 52-year-old physician, fell victim to a cyber fraud scheme, losing over Rs 5 lakh in a bogus car purchase. The incident commenced when Dr. Shah, intrigued by an alluring Facebook ad, responded to an advertisement promising a seized Fortuner E4 at a mere Rs 19 lakh. Little did he know that this enticing offer was a ruse orchestrated by an impersonator posing as a bank recovery agent.

Trust exploited, documents compromised

Blinded by the illusion of legitimacy, Dr. Shah willingly handed over sensitive documents, including his Aadhar card, PAN card, and bank statements. An official-looking email further convinced him of the deal's authenticity, prompting him to transfer a substantial sum of Rs 5.87 lakh to the specified bank account. However, the moment of dismay struck when Dr. Shah, anticipating the acquisition of his dream car, discovered the provided address in Solapur was non-existent, and attempts to contact the agent were met with disconnected phone lines.

Legal pursuits and cyber vigilance

Acting swiftly, the Kandivali police registered a case against the unidentified fraudster under sections 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. This unfortunate incident serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent threat of cyber fraud. Authorities emphasise the critical need for vigilance in online transactions, urging citizens to verify deals thoroughly and avoid sharing sensitive information without robust verification.

As Dr. Shah endeavors to recover from this distressing experience, efforts are underway to trace the elusive fraudster and bring them to justice. This incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness and cautious online engagement to safeguard individuals from falling prey to deceitful schemes.