In a shocking case of online fraud, a 24-year-old woman from Bengaluru was deceived into paying nearly ₹6 lakh to a fraudulent astrologer she found on Instagram. What began as a simple consultation to resolve issues in her love life soon turned into a financial nightmare, as the so-called astrologer manipulated her into making multiple payments for rituals that never yielded results.
In today’s digital era, social media platforms like Instagram have become hotspots for scams, with fraudsters posing as experts in various fields. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online.
The woman, employed at a private firm in Electronics City, was browsing Instagram in January when she came across an astrology page that seemed genuine. The profile featured an image of an Aghori baba, adding an air of authenticity. Trusting the page, she reached out with queries regarding her future marriage.
Shortly after, she was contacted by a man named Vijay Kumar, who claimed to be an expert astrologer. He requested her name and date of birth, assuring her that he would provide an accurate horoscope reading. When he responded, he informed her that she was destined for a love marriage but that celestial obstacles were blocking her happiness. To remove these barriers, he recommended a series of spiritual rituals.
Initially, the astrologer suggested a small puja for ₹1,820, which seemed reasonable. She made the payment digitally, unaware of the trap she was falling into. However, after the first ritual, Vijay claimed that new obstacles had surfaced in her horoscope, requiring additional pujas.
Over time, she kept transferring money for multiple rituals, believing that she was clearing negativity from her future. By the time she realized something was wrong, she had already paid close to ₹5.9 lakh.
As the woman began questioning the never-ending demands for more pujas, she refused to send any more money and asked for a refund. Vijay initially returned just ₹13,000 but soon changed his tone. He began emotionally blackmailing her, threatening to harm himself if she insisted on getting her money back.
The situation escalated further when another person, introducing himself as a lawyer named Prashant, contacted her. He claimed that Vijay was suicidal due to the pressure of returning the money and urged her to stop demanding a refund. Realizing that she had been scammed, the woman immediately approached the police.
The Electronics City police registered a complaint under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cheating. Investigations confirmed that both the astrologer and the so-called lawyer were fraudsters running a well-planned scam.
Cybercrime officers have warned people to be extra cautious while dealing with online services, especially those involving financial transactions.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of being vigilant when engaging with online service providers. Here are some key takeaways to protect yourself from similar scams:
Question Unrealistic Promises: If an online service claims to solve all your problems in exchange for money, it’s likely a scam. Genuine astrologers or experts will never guarantee miraculous results.
Never Transfer Large Sums to Strangers: No matter how convincing someone seems, avoid making significant payments to unknown individuals online.
Beware of Emotional Blackmail: If someone starts threatening self-harm or using emotional manipulation, consider it a major red flag and cut off all communication.
Verify the Credibility of Online Profiles: Research the background of any service provider before making payments. Look for genuine reviews and check for any red flags.
Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you suspect you’re being scammed, contact the cybercrime department or local police without delay. Early intervention can sometimes help in recovering lost funds.
Online frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers prey on people’s emotions, especially fears and insecurities. This case serves as a wake-up call to exercise caution when seeking services online. Always verify credibility, avoid impulsive financial transactions, and stay informed to protect yourself from digital fraud.
Disclaimer: This article is published purely for public cybercrime awareness. The incident mentioned took place a month ago, and the purpose of this report is to educate readers about online scams and help them stay vigilant against fraudulent activities.
