As soaring temperatures drive people to shop for air conditioners, coolers and refrigerators, cyber fraudsters are cashing in on the summer rush with fake social media advertisements promising massive discounts. The deceptive offers have already duped several residents, with three people in the city collectively losing nearly ₹1.55 lakh. Cyber Police have now issued a warning, urging citizens to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links and online advertisements.
In a similar incident, Gudia Pal, a resident of Rajapur locality, lost nearly ₹48,000 after falling prey to an online scam. Looking to replace her faulty cooler, she came across a social media advertisement promoting an exchange offer with attractive discounts. However, after clicking on the link shared in the advertisement, money was fraudulently withdrawn from her bank account in three separate transactions.
Another victim, Mohammad Niaz, a scrap dealer from Mutthiganj, was reportedly duped after being attracted by an online deal offering heavy discounts on a refrigerator. Soon after interacting with the fraudulent link, ₹28,169 was allegedly siphoned off from his bank account.
According to DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Singh Gunawat, who also serves as the nodal officer for the district Cyber Cell, cyber fraudsters closely monitor people’s urgent needs and exploit them by circulating fake yet lucrative offers designed to trap unsuspecting users.
