Cyber Fraud: Woman Loses Rs 5.9 Lakh to Fake Astrologer Scheme

A 24-year-old woman from Electronics City, employed in a private firm, faced a significant loss of Rs 5.9 lakh after consulting an astrologer for insights on her marriage prospects. She stumbled upon an Instagram account named ‘splno1indianastrologer’ featuring a photo of Aghori baba and contacted the user, believing him to be an expert astrologer named Vijay Kumar. He requested her name and birth date to examine her horoscope, subsequently informing her of a love marriage but with minor astrological hindrances that necessitated rituals to rectify.

Vijay Kumar convinced the woman of the necessity for specific pujas to correct supposed issues in her horoscope, initially asking for a modest sum of Rs 1,820. Trusting his guidance, she complied and transferred the amount via a digital payment platform. However, her trust began to erode as Vijay Kumar continuously highlighted more problems, leading to her spending close to Rs 6 lakh. Upon realizing she might be exploited, she demanded a refund, only to be met with partial repayment and threats.

The situation escalated when another individual, identifying himself as Prashant and claiming to be an advocate, contacted her. He warned that Vijay Kumar was contemplating suicide if forced to return the money, claiming it had already been spent on the promised rituals. Faced with this alarming claim, the woman sought help from the police. It was then uncovered that she had been victimized by a cyber fraud scheme involving no real astrologer or advocate. The police registered a case against the fictitious Vijay Kumar and Prashant, invoking the Information Technology Act and BNS Section 318 for cheating.

This incident underscores the dangers of online fraud and the importance of vigilance when seeking services over the internet. The police investigation revealed a meticulously planned deception, highlighting the sophistication with which cybercriminals operate. As the authorities work to apprehend the culprits, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with online interactions and the need for critical scrutiny of online claims.