Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 August 2024
A local salon owner in Dollygunj has reported a case of online financial fraud after being duped by a fraudster posing as a potential customer. The incident, which took place on July 3, 2024, highlights the growing concerns over cybercrime in the region.
The owner of the Salon, received a WhatsApp message at around 7:00 PM from an individual identifying herself as “Sonia.” The message was sent to the salon’s official WhatsApp number. Sonia initially requested an appointment for July 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM, and shared a few images of hair styling ideas. She then offered to make an advance payment for the appointment, which the salon owner accepted as optional.
Shortly after, the owner received a notification on Google Pay indicating a credit of ₹15,000. Sonia then claimed she had accidentally transferred ₹15,000 instead of ₹1500 and requested the salon owner to refund ₹13,500. Complying with her request, the salon owner transferred the amount back using a QR provided by Sonia via WhatsApp.
However, the deception did not end there. The owner soon received another notification of ₹22,000 being credited, followed by Sonia’s claim that this was another mistake. At this point, the salon owner became suspicious and realised he was being scammed.
The salon owner promptly lodged a formal complaint on the National Crime Reporting Portal.
The incident has been reported to the Cyber Crime Police Station in Port Blair, with a request for immediate action against the perpetrator.