Koraput: There seems to be no let-up in cyber-related frauds in Odisha with two more youths from Laxmipur block of Koraput district becoming the latest victims to the fraudster and losing nearly Rs 74,000 while buying a motorcycle online.
The duped youths are Sachin Huika, son of Laxmipur sarpanch and a JCB driver, Sukha Sarka.
According to sources, the duo was eager to buy a KTM bike and came across the same on social media platform Facebook's marketplace. They immediately contact the seller who asked them to deposit Rs 3,000 for registration of the bike.
The imposter told them that the bike will be delivered at their doorstep once the payment is completed. The duo, unaware of the ill motive of the fraudster, opted for online payment and transferred Rs 22,000 on January 21 and another Rs 18,000 the following day.
After completion of the payment, the fraudster made the duo believe that they mistakenly paid Rs 18,000 instead of Rs 18,400 and asked them to make the payment again and assured that the Rs 18,000 will be refunded later.
Subsequently, the fraudster informed them that the bike has already arrived in Rayagada and demanded Rs 14,800 for insurance. The duo transferred the amount without any second thought. They reportedly made a payment of Rs 73,200 altogether.
After waiting for several hours for home delivery of the bike, they realised that they were cheated and approached Laxmipur police station for help.
The Laxmipur police then asked them to move to the Koraput cyber cell. The complainants told the police that they made all the payment through PhonePe to mobile No- 8822765529.
Comments of police could not be obtained on the matter.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)