Bengaluru Engineer Loses Lakhs in Europe Trip Scam
Scammers Target Bengaluru Software Engineer, Netting ₹11.5 Lakh
A sophisticated cyber-enabled scam has left a Bengaluru-based software engineer reeling after being duped out of ₹11.5 lakh, with authorities now probing the incident.
The Victim’s Story
The victim, a 33-year-old woman from the city’s northeast region, initially came across a legitimate-looking travel agency webpage promising European trips.
However, the scammers behind the page contacted her via different phone numbers, claiming to offer customized travel services.
They convinced her to make multiple transfers totaling ₹12.77 lakh for “visa processing, bookings, and related expenses.”
After completing these transactions, the victim requested updates on her trip status but was informed that it had been cancelled. When she demanded a refund, the scammers returned only ₹1.18 lakh, leaving a balance of ₹11.5 lakh outstanding.
The Modus Operandi
According to sources, the suspects’ modus operandi involved creating a sense of urgency around the trip arrangements, convincing the victim to act quickly without verifying the authenticity of the travel agency. This tactic allowed them to keep the money and escape detection.
The Investigation
Law enforcement officials are now working to track down the culprits and recover the stolen funds. As the investigation unfolds, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution when dealing with unfamiliar entities, especially those involving large sums of money.