Udupi: Woman duped of Rs 7.1 lakh in online parcel scam

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Feb 19, 2026: A 37-year-old woman from Udupi was allegedly cheated of Rs 7.1 lakh in an online parcel scam after being befriended by a fraudster through social media.

According to her complaint, Rani received a message on Facebook from an account identified as Amadeo Luca on February 4. The conversation later continued through Messenger and WhatsApp.

On February 8, the accused reportedly called her and claimed that he had sent a parcel containing gold ornaments, a mobile phone and other valuables. He further stated that the parcel included US dollars and asked her to pay Rs 45,000 as processing charges to receive it. Believing his claims, she transferred the amount to a bank account provided by him.

The fraudsters then continued to contact her through calls and messages, demanding additional payments towards taxes and other charges. Trusting their assurances, she transferred money in phases to multiple bank accounts shared by them. In total, she lost Rs 7.10 lakh.

When the parcel failed to arrive and the accused persisted in demanding more money, she realised she had been duped and filed a complaint with the police.

A case has been registered at the CEN Police Station under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).