Scammer allegedly used a fake identity and a rental inquiry on 99acres.com to gain the victim’s trust before siphoning money.
A 61-year-old resident of Curca was allegedly cheated of ₹1.46 lakh by a fraudster who posed as an Army officer after responding to a house rental advertisement posted on 99acres.com.
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According to the complaint, the accused initially contacted the victim expressing interest in renting the property. To gain the victim’s confidence, the fraudster requested a nominal verification payment of ₹5, claiming it was part of the booking process.
After establishing trust, the accused allegedly persuaded the victim to transfer a total of ₹1.46 lakh in three separate transactions, assuring him that the amount would be refunded.
However, after receiving the money, the suspect allegedly failed to return the promised amount, leaving the victim to realise he had been duped.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the online fraud. Authorities have once again urged the public to remain cautious while dealing with unknown individuals on online property platforms and to avoid transferring money based solely on assurances or unverifiable claims.
