Cyber scammer poses as Finance Ministry official, dupes BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy of Rs 1 lakh
The fraudster told the MLA that unemployed youth could avail loans of up to Rs 10 lakh under a Central scheme. He further claimed that a processing fee of Rs 2,500 per applicant was required to facilitate the loans.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: In a startling case of cyber fraud, Jangaon BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy was duped of Rs 1 lakh by a conman who posed as a senior Finance Ministry official and lured him with a fake Central government loan scheme for unemployed youth.
How did the fraud start?
The incident occurred on April 5 when the MLA, who was in Hyderabad, received a phone call from an unknown person claiming to be an Additional Secretary in the Finance Department. The caller spoke convincingly about a government-backed scheme.
Fake scheme targets good intent
The fraudster told the MLA that unemployed youth could avail loans of up to Rs 10 lakh under a Central scheme. He further claimed that a processing fee of Rs 2,500 per applicant was required to facilitate the loans.
Trusting the caller and intending to help youth in his constituency, the MLA agreed to the proposal.
Rs 1 lakh transferred via PhonePe
Believing the scheme to be genuine, Palla Rajeshwar Reddy transferred Rs 1 lakh through PhonePe to the scammer, expecting that it would benefit several youth.
Truth uncovered after verification
Suspicious after the transaction, the MLA contacted the actual Finance Additional Secretary to confirm the payment. The official denied receiving any money and clarified that no such call had been made.
Complaint filed with Cyber Crime Wing
Realising he had been cheated, the MLA approached the Cyber Crime wing of Jubilee Hills Police Station and lodged a complaint. Police have registered a case and begun an investigation.
