Doctor from Puttur loses ₹16.5L in online fraud

Doctor from Puttur loses ₹16.5L in online fraud

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, March 31, 2024: A doctor from Puttur has reportedly been ensnared in an online scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 16.5 lakh. Dr. Chidambara Adiga, aged 69, disclosed that he received a phone call from an unidentified individual on March 28.

The caller, purporting to represent the Delhi police, informed Dr. Adiga that an arrest warrant had been issued against him by a Delhi CBI court. Allegedly, the warrant was related to a case involving drug-related offenses, money laundering, and human trafficking.

Instructed by the caller, Dr. Adiga was given two options: either appear before the Delhi CBI court or participate in an online court hearing. Opting for the latter, he was directed to transfer funds from his bank account to a specified account number provided by the caller. Assurances were given that the transferred amount would be reimbursed after the court proceedings.

To amplify the sense of urgency and legitimacy, the caller sent documents resembling a court case filed against Dr. Adiga to his WhatsApp. Trusting the caller’s deceptive tactics, Dr. Adiga promptly transferred Rs 16.5 lakh via RTGS to the provided account.

Upon being contacted again by the caller, demanding further funds, Dr. Adiga grew suspicious and realized he may have fallen victim to a scam. Consequently, he reported the fraudulent incident. A case has been filed under IPC sections 406, 419, 420, and Sections 66(C), 66(D) of the IT ACT.