Scams these days can pop up anywhere, casting a shadow of doubt over everything and making people think twice before taking any action, especially online. It’s gotten to the point where even ordering something as simple as eggs online can lead to anxiety-inducing scams, as one woman in Bengaluru recently experienced. According to a report from the Times of India, the 38-year-old woman lost over Rs. 48,000 trying to buy four dozen eggs for just Rs. 49.
The unfortunate incident began when Shivani (name changed), a resident of Vasanthnagar, stumbled upon an email advertisement on February 17, claiming a well-known company was offering eggs at remarkably low prices. Intrigued, she scrolled through the ad, discovering various tempting offers, and ultimately decided on the deal offering four dozen eggs for Rs. 49.
“There was a shopping link mentioned in the ad. When I clicked on the same, it took me to a page where there was a description of how hens were reared and the eggs collected and delivered,” Shivani explained.
Further down the page, she found even more enticing offers, including one for eight dozen eggs at Rs. 99. “I chose to buy four dozen eggs for Rs. 49. When I proceeded to place the order, it took me to a contact information page,” she added.
After entering her card details, Shivani realised that the only payment option available was through credit cards. “I entered my details and clicked on it to place the order. It took me to the next page where they had payment options only through credit cards. I entered my credit card details, including the expiry date and CVV number, and clicked on ‘Proceed to payment’. I received an OTP on my registered mobile number,” she recounted.
However, her optimism was short-lived as she realised that a staggering Rs. 48,199 had been debited from her account, nearly ten times the intended amount. “Before I entered the OTP, a total of Rs. 48,199 was debited from my credit card account (and was transferred) to an account named ‘Shine Mobile HU’,” she lamented.
Promptly, her bank’s credit card department called to verify the transaction. “I explained to them about the fraud and they blocked my account. I called the cyber crime helpline (1930) and they directed me to lodge a complaint at the nearest police station,” Shivani detailed.
Fortunately, Shivani’s credit card had a limit of Rs. 3.7 lakhs, averting further losses had she not received the confirmation call.
An investigation is underway, with a case registered under the IT Act. Efforts have been made to freeze the ill-gotten gains of the fraudsters.
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