Mangaluru: Senior Citizens Lose Over ₹17 Lakh in Two Online Fraud Cases

Two senior citizens in Mangaluru lose over ₹17 lakh in separate online fraud cases involving fake investment and service scams.

Cybercrime continues to plague Mangaluru residents, with two senior citizens recently falling victim to online investment and service frauds, losing a total of over ₹17 lakh. Both cases were reported to the cybercrime helpline (1930) and later registered at local police stations.

Case 1: 63-Year-Old Man Loses ₹13.9 Lakh in Investment Scam

A 63-year-old man from Mangaluru was cheated of nearly ₹14 lakh after falling for a fake investment scheme promoted through online advertisements misusing the names of prominent public figures.

According to the complaint, on August 28, while browsing on his phone, the victim came across an advertisement featuring Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and MP Sudha Murthy, seemingly endorsing an investment platform. Upon clicking the link, he was redirected to another website that promised high returns through trading schemes.

Soon after, he was contacted by a woman identifying herself as Nandini Tyagi, who convinced him to invest. Later, another caller named Vikram Singh, claiming to be a financial expert, reinforced the promise of quick profits.

Trusting their assurances, the victim transferred a total of ₹13.9 lakh to various bank accounts between August 28 and October 22. When he failed to receive any returns and attempts to recover the money were ignored, he realised he had been duped.

The man immediately reported the matter to the 1930 cyber helpline and later lodged a written complaint at the Barke Police Station, Mangaluru.

Case 2: Retired Man Loses ₹3.8 Lakh in Fake Service Centre Fraud

In another incident, a 74-year-old retired man lost ₹3.8 lakh after cybercriminals posing as appliance service agents tricked him into downloading a malicious mobile application (APK file).

The victim said that on October 25, around 10 a.m., he searched online for a washing machine service centre.

He found a contact number through a web search and called it. The person on the line sent him a WhatsApp link and asked him to download an APK file to schedule a service. Moments after installation, the man began receiving messages of multiple bank transactions — ₹2.3 lakh from one account and ₹1.4 lakh from another — drained without his consent.

Police said the fraudsters used the malicious app to access his personal information and banking details, siphoning off the total amount. A case has been registered at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station.

Cybercrime Awareness: A Growing Concern

Authorities have once again urged citizens to avoid clicking on suspicious links, verify official service numbers, and never download APK files from unknown sources. Fraudsters are increasingly using social engineering tactics — such as fake celebrity endorsements, impersonation, and phishing websites — to deceive victims.

Citizens are advised to immediately report such incidents to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or via the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.