Jamnagar Trader Falls Victim to Cyber Scam While Searching for Bride Online

Post Views: 4

Matrimonial Website Scam

A 52-year-old medical trader from Jamnagar, Gujarat, was swindled out of ₹56.73 lakh in a sophisticated cyber scam after being targeted through a matrimonial website.

The Scam

The scammer, who claimed to be a woman named “Lakshmi” working for a pharmaceutical company in Canada, convinced the victim to invest in a fake business deal involving the procurement of a raw material called “Tamole Ocimum (ZH2)”.

The victim had created a profile on the matrimonial website after the death of his wife, and it was there that he was contacted by Lakshmi. She proposed a business opportunity, claiming that her company urgently needed the raw material and asking the trader to procure it from a supplier in Rajasthan. To build trust, the scammers arranged a trial transaction in Ahmedabad, where a man posing as a purchase officer from the pharmaceutical company paid the trader $1,300 in cash for a sample consignment.

The Consequences

Convinced by the successful trial transaction, the trader began purchasing larger quantities of the chemical and transferring money to the scammers in multiple instalments. However, after receiving the money, the scammers stopped responding to calls and messages, and all communication channels were abruptly cut off.

The Investigation

The victim initially hesitated to report the fraud due to fear of reputational damage, but eventually filed a complaint with the cybercrime police after being encouraged by his brother and a friend. Authorities are now investigating the case, examining bank transactions, phone numbers, and digital communication records to trace the individuals involved in the cyber scam.

Warning from Cybercrime Officials

Cybercrime officials have warned citizens to verify identities before engaging in financial transactions and to remain cautious about business opportunities proposed by individuals met online.

The police have urged citizens to be cautious when using online platforms, especially those used for socializing or finding life partners.
They have also advised people to be wary of unsolicited business proposals and to never transfer money to unknown individuals or companies without proper verification.

Importance of Online Safety

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for individuals to be vigilant when interacting with strangers online. As cybercrime continues to evolve, it is essential for people to be aware of the tactics used by scammers and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling prey to such scams.