Bengaluru: A city resident lost Rs 64,000 to a cyber fraudster posing as a travel agent offering special packages for the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.

Pradeep, a resident of Jnana Bharathi, was tricked by Rakesh of Subramanya Tours, based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Pradeep, who intended to visit the Kumbh Mela, had searched online for special travel packages. He received a call from Rakesh, who claimed to represent Subramanya Tours. Rakesh reportedly convinced Pradeep by offering a hassle-free, low-cost travel package to Prayagraj.

Believing the offer, Pradeep booked the package after receiving travel details and social media profiles of the company via WhatsApp. Subsequently, he transferred Rs 64,000 in installments as booking and other fees.

However, after receiving the payments, Rakesh became unreachable, exposing the fraud. Realizing he had been duped, Pradeep contacted the cybercrime helpline at 1930 and later lodged a formal complaint at the Jnana Bharathi police station.