Online fraudster in guise of customer dupes BBMP official

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) employee, who was seeking to sell old coins and currency notes, fell victim to a fraudster in the city, losing a sum of Rs 1.87 lakh.

The victim, identified as Lakshmaiah, 55 years old, reported the incident to the cybercrime police.

According to Lakshmaiah's account, he came across an advertisement on Facebook from an individual offering a decent amount in exchange for old coins and currency notes.

Since Lakshmaiah possessed some old currency notes of denominations Rs 5, Rs 2, and Rs 1, along with a collection of one and two paise coins, he decided to contact the person using the provided contact number in the advertisement.

Upon speaking with the individual, Lakshmaiah was thrilled to learn that he was being offered Rs 99 lakh for his collection of old currency.

However, the offer came with a stipulation - the accused demanded that Lakshmaiah purchase a membership for his online account.