WhatsApp fraud promises Jubilee Hills retd. judge new washing machine; steals Rs 13,860

Hyderabad: In a distressing incident, a retired judge from Jubilee Hills fell victim to a cunning scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 13,860. The incident came to light when C Niranjan Sai (65), filed a complaint with the Jubilee Hills police, narrating the details of the fraud.

According to the Jubilee Hills police, the incident began with Sai complaining about his faulty washing machine to a number he found on the Internet. Afterwards, he received a communication from an individual who claimed to represent Delhi Samsung. The person, identified as ‘Munni,’ contacted Sai through WhatsApp.

Impersonating an authorised Samsung representative, the scammer informed Sai that a replacement machine could be arranged for his malfunctioning Samsung washing machine, purchased from a Reliance Digital store on January 2. Munni also offered an enticing 30 per cent discount on the new washing machine as part of the ‘replacement policy.’

To proceed with the replacement process, the fraudster requested Sai to transfer Rs 13,860 to a Google Pay account. Sai obliged, but the transaction failed to go through.

Undeterred, the scammer contacted Sai again on July 18, 2023, and proposed an alternative mode of payment, instructing him to send the same amount through India Post UPID. Succumbing to the appearance of authenticity, Sai transferred the money, providing the scammer with a screenshot of the payment.

However, much to his dismay, the scammer denied receiving the payment and brazenly demanded a second transfer of the same amount. Realising that he had fallen prey to an elaborate ruse, Sai filed a complaint with the police.

A case has been registered under Section 420 IPC & Section 66(C)(D) of the IT Act and it is currently under investigation.