Odisha man's Facebook friendship with unknown 'woman' proves costly

Bhubaneswar: A senior railway official from Odisha has fallen prey to a suspected online racket after he developed friendship on Facebook with a woman reportedly based in England and entered into a business venture with her. The fraud came to light when the official found himself duped to the tune of Rs 6 lakh.

The victim had come across the woman, Cliford Zofia on Facebook. After chatting between the two for quite some time, Zofia allegedly lured the railway official to invest money in distribution of herbal medicines after procuring them from Mumbai.

According to reports, the official, who wished not to be named, had purchased the herbal medicines for diabetes and cancer patients from a particular store in Mumbai as per the instruction of Zofia by depositing Rs 3.69 lakh.

On suspecting the authenticity of the medicines delivered, the official then contacted Zofia seeking a refund of his investment.

"Nothing suspicious appeared to me as the name, address, shipping details and bank accounts, mobile numbers were valid. I have been duped of Rs 6 lakh by the racket," said the railway official.

After the official sought refund of money, he received a call and was asked to pay Rs 37,000 for a parcel reportedly sent by Zofia from London.

As the caller identifying himself as a customs official claimed that the parcel contained gold and foreign currency and a case could be registered against me, out of fear, I had to pay over Rs 1 lakh again, the official added.

With no other option left, the railway official deposited the money as per the instruction of the fake customs officer.

"I have lodged a complaint with cyber police station and demanded a thorough probe as a major racket is operating behind such fraud," the complainant added.