Bengaluru — A shocking incident came to light when a 59-year-old professor from Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, was duped of over Rs 5.2 lakhs by social media fraudsters promising him a special puja at the renowned Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati. The professor’s noble intention to surprise his wife with a sacred ceremony turned into a distressing experience, marking another unfortunate chapter in the realm of online scams.
The victim, a well-respected academician, became a target after stumbling upon an advertisement on Facebook in September, promoting exclusive pujas at the Tirumala temple. The ad included a contact number (9063516199), which led him to a fraudster posing as the chief priest of the temple. The scammer spoke fluent Telugu, providing a level of authenticity that unfortunately misled the professor into believing he was speaking with a legitimate religious figure.
As per the report by[Times of India], the fraudster introduced a service known as “Melchat Vastram Seva,” claiming it to be one of the most revered and desired offerings at the temple. The fraudulent priest painted a picture of exclusivity and importance, assuring the professor that a special sari—crafted with gold jari and sourced from Thanjavur—would be offered during the seva. With tales of a lucky dip selection for devotees and the urgency of booking a slot, the professor was convinced of the sacred nature of the scam.
The professor’s wife recounted how the manipulation began with a modest initial payment of Rs 50,000, which was sold as a necessary deposit to get the process started. With the scam unfolding seamlessly, the fraudster continued to extract larger amounts, claiming interactions with the temple superintendent while maintaining the façade of a religious service. The promise of conducting the puja in October turned to disappointment when the scammers canceled the appointment at the last minute, leaving the couple scrambling for answers.
Over the course of several weeks, the couple continued to be ensnared in the fraudster’s web, ultimately losing a staggering Rs 5.2 lakhs divided across multiple transactions. The couple, believing they were on the verge of a religious experience, found themselves victimized instead, with no money and no puja.
Legal Action and Growing Concerns over Online Scams
Following the realization that they had been duped, the victim’s wife lodged a formal complaint with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) police, leading to a case being registered under various sections of the Information Technology Act and BNS 318 for cheating. This case highlights not only the individual story of one professor but also the escalating concern regarding scams that exploit the sanctity of religious practices and beliefs.
The scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to ensure they appear credible, leaving victims vulnerable and unsuspecting. With the rising influence of social media, fraudulent schemes like these are proliferating. They specifically target individuals who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of online transactions or those who are overly trusting regarding religious institutions.
As the investigation continues, there are calls from various sectors to take stringent action against such fraudsters who prey on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Law enforcement agencies are being pushed to enhance their monitoring of suspicious online activity linked to religious services, aiming to put an end to these heinous acts.
Victim Support and Community Awareness
In an era where online interactions are becoming commonplace, it is crucial for individuals, especially those more vulnerable to scams, to educate themselves about the potential risks associated with engaging in social media and online transactions. Community support groups and local law enforcement can work hand-in-hand to provide information sessions on recognizing fraud, reporting it immediately, and what steps to take should one find themselves a target.
Organizations like the[Consumer Protection Act](https://www.consumerhelpline.gov.in/) in India offer assistance to individuals who have been scammed, providing a pathway to seek restitution and legal recourse. Raising awareness through workshops and community meetings can empower citizens to navigate online spaces more safely.
The recent scam targeting the Bengaluru professor underlines a critical need for constant vigilance and informed skepticism, especially concerning religious or emotionally charged offerings. It serves as a reminder that malicious actors can disguise themselves as purveyors of goodwill, praying upon unsuspecting individuals who may just be seeking spiritual fulfillment.
Both the professor’s experience and the ongoing investigation serve as a somber reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information and verifying all transactions before proceeding. In a world where technology brings both amazing opportunities and unfortunately, considerable risks, education and awareness are paramount.
The authorities are committed to putting an end to these elaborate schemes, and it will take a concerted effort from the community and law enforcement to ensure that fraudsters are not allowed to continue exploiting the trust of individuals through scams that tarnish the sanctity of their beliefs.