Chandigarh Woman Scammed Out of ₹7.23 Lakh in Fake Customs Clearance Scam

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A Chandigarh woman lost ₹723,000 through a cyber fraud scheme involving a deceptive online romance scenario, according to a police complaint.

The Incident Unfolds

A private sector employee from Sector 23, Chandigarh, engaged with an individual on Snapchat in May 2026. The suspect, using the account name “Divekar Pathak,” initiated contact and transitioned into a romantic narrative. The perpetrator claimed to be a UK-based doctor from Pune and shared fabricated documents, including a British passport, flight ticket, and other credentials.

Building Trust Through Deception

The suspect allegedly built trust by sharing details of an upcoming visit to Mumbai, claiming to arrive on June 23 after departing from London’s Heathrow Airport. The victim was later contacted by an unknown number, with the caller identifying as an airport customs officer. This individual alleged the doctor was carrying foreign currency and traveler’s cheques, demanding ₹67,500 for customs clearance.

The Escalation of Fraud

The victim complied, but subsequent calls from unidentified parties escalated demands, citing fees for currency certification, tax, conversion charges, and other government-related processes. Over time, the victim transferred approximately ₹723,000 into four bank accounts. The scam was exposed when the fraudsters requested an additional ₹200,000, threatening the doctor’s deportation if the payment was not made.

Law Enforcement Response

Law enforcement has identified bank accounts linked to individuals including Sami Saeed Khan, Dharamjeet Gowala, Kang Joel, and Krishna Pal. Investigators are analyzing financial records, mobile numbers, digital communications, and other electronic evidence to trace the network behind the scheme.

Expert Insights on Cybercrime

Cybercrime experts highlight that such frauds often employ social engineering tactics, including emotional manipulation, to exploit victims. A former IPS officer and cybersecurity analyst emphasized the importance of verifying claims related to international travel, customs, or urgent financial requests through official channels.

Current Status of the Case

The case remains under active investigation, with legal proceedings pending based on the evidence gathered. No further details regarding the suspects or potential arrests have been disclosed at this time.

Key Takeaways

Verify all claims related to international travel or customs through official channels.
Avoid sharing sensitive financial information with unknown individuals.
Report suspicious activities to local law enforcement immediately.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the growing threat of cyber fraud, particularly those leveraging emotional manipulation and fake credentials. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and prioritize verification before acting on urgent financial requests.