Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Apr 17: After the declaration of nationwide lockdown for breaking the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) chain, the crime rate in the district has steeply come down. Restrictions and prohibitions on various sectors have made the people stay inside their homes. But at the same time, to encash helplessness of people and being aware of their innocence, some people started to defraud them online. The fraudsters have been using social media to cheat people because nowadays the majority of people are social media savy.
In Mangaluru online fraudsters have started targeting the liquor lovers by posing as the suppliers of all kinds of liquor brands to the doorsteps of the customers. In the past two weeks, they have been found to be very active in social media with a contact number. If someone calls that number a man responds in Hindi. Once the selection of the brand is done, the guy demands money which is three times more than the actual rate. And he makes it clear that the client should transfer fifty per cent of money through Google Pay.
“Last week I noticed such a post on Facebook when scrolling down. Getting interested I tried to call to the mentioned phone number for a reality check. With two rings the guy received my call and introduced himself in Hindi that he is working for a reputed liquor sale firm in the city. I tried to speak to him Tulu and Kannada. But he refused to speak in local languages. Then he asked my brand and I ordered four brands. He informed me the price of these brands which were three times more than market price. At the end of the deal, I asked him to deliver the liquor home and get his money. Rejecting this offer, he said I have to pay the full amount through Google Pay. When I denied transferring full amount without receiving ordered items he asked me to transfer fifty per cent of the amount. But I did not transfer the money because I understood it is an online scam. The man's slang is very close to northern parts of India,” said a youth who requested anonymity.
The liquor shop owners of the city have made it clear that there is no liquor sale during the lockdown period and there no arrangements for door delivery. It is absolutely against the law and they are not supporting any kind of activities which are illegal.
Many are receiving messages to their mobile phones posing from government agencies and banks. Asking details and bank pin numbers assuring food items or financial help. Same time many who are lured by these fraudsters are not complaining about the fear of losing dignity and becoming a laughing stock. Scamsters are using this opportunity and continuing with duping more and more innocent people.