Cyber fraudsters posed as ticket sellers for India–England match; police launch investigation after multiple payments made through UPI
A doctor from Vile Parle East in Mumbai has reportedly lost nearly Rs 3 lakh in a cyber fraud while attempting to purchase cricket match tickets online. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of online scams targeting unsuspecting residents through social media platforms.
According to reports, the doctor came across a post on Instagram on March 3 from an account named SkyEvents Enterprises, which claimed to be selling tickets for an India–England cricket match. Interested in purchasing tickets, the doctor contacted the account to buy four match tickets.
Fraudsters Sent UPI QR Code for Payment
After the initial contact, the alleged scammers sent a UPI QR code for payment. The doctor first transferred Rs 14,400 as the initial payment. However, over the next two days, the fraudsters continued to demand additional payments under various pretexts, including ticket confirmation and refund processing.
The victim subsequently transferred Rs 28,800, Rs 79,500, Rs 1,10,000, and Rs 57,200, bringing the total amount to Rs 2,98,300.
Despite the repeated payments, the accused neither delivered the tickets nor returned the money. The scammers reportedly remained in constant contact through an unknown mobile number before eventually cutting off communication.
Police Launch Probe Into Cyber Fraud
According to reports, police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the cyber fraud. Authorities are examining mobile numbers, bank account details, and social media records linked to the accused to trace the culprits.
Multiple Cyber Scam Cases Reported in Mumbai
The doctor’s case is not an isolated incident. Several other cyber fraud cases have recently been reported in Mumbai, including an elderly woman and a government officer who allegedly lost Rs 1.10 lakh and Rs 81,422, respectively, through phishing attempts and fraudulent calls.
Previous Case: Woman Duped of Rs 50.8 Lakh by Fake Doctor
In another major cyber fraud reported earlier, a 74-year-old woman from Mumbai was allegedly cheated of Rs 50.8 lakh by a man posing as a New Zealand-based doctor working on an international humanitarian assignment.
An FIR in that case was registered at the Mumbai Police South Cyber Police Station, where the victim, a resident of Cuffe Parade, reportedly transferred the money through 27 separate transactions to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious while making online payments for event tickets or services through social media platforms, advising buyers to verify the authenticity of sellers before transferring money.
