Buying avocados online? Here’s how Hyderabad student lost Rs. 2.6L in this fraud
Hyderabad: A 23-year-old student from Hyderabad has fallen victim to an online scam while attempting to buy avocados through the Just Dial app, losing ₹2.6 lakh in the process. The victim came across a supplier named Balaji Traders, which claimed to deliver avocados from Vijayawada.
Representatives of Balaji Traders contacted the victim, and the scam began when they requested money for fuel expenses, assuring the delivery of the product. The victim transferred the requested amount. However, the scammers then claimed their delivery vehicle had broken down and needed repair funds. They even sent a photo of an alleged accident scene to further deceive the victim, who sent more money.
The fraud continued with the scammers claiming they were just 10 km away from the delivery location but had been stopped by traffic police, prompting another request for money. The victim complied once again.
As the scam unfolded, the fraudsters fabricated a personal emergency, claiming that the money previously transferred had been misused by their son. They apologized and sent a photo of a cheque, assuring the victim that they would repay the funds. The victim, believing the cheque was legitimate, transferred more money.
Despite initial hesitation, the victim continued sending funds under various pretexts, including additional charges and claims of GST avoidance. When the victim finally refused to send more money and confronted the scammers, they threatened dire consequences and insisted the cheque would not be sent unless further payments were made.
Out of fear and reluctance to inform his parents, the victim continued making transfers until the total loss reached ₹2.6 lakh. The victim has now filed a complaint with the police and is seeking assistance.
Public Advisory: Fraudsters are targeting individuals through online platforms by posing as legitimate sellers of fruits, including avocados. These scammers often advertise through local service directories like Just Dial or social media, claiming to deliver fresh produce from other cities.
To protect yourself:
• Always verify sellers through trusted platforms and check reviews.
• Never transfer money for products without secure payment methods or Cash on Delivery (COD) options.
• Avoid sharing personal bank account details or accepting cheques from unknown parties.
• Be cautious of emotional stories, sudden emergencies, or threats from sellers.
If you are a victim of cyber fraud, contact your nearest police station, file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, or call 1930. In case of an emergency, you can also call or WhatsApp at 8712665171.
