Link trap: Businessman loses Rs 1 lakh while trying to purchase e-scooter online

BENGALURU: A 55-year-old businessman was duped of Rs 1 lakh while he was attempting to purchase an electric scooter online after finding a link on Google.
Trying to figure out how to buy an e-scooter of a particular brand online, the man came across a website and clicked on the link. A contact number was provided on the website, and the businessman from Kumbalgodu dialled it to make an enquiry.
The man who received the call said he was an 'executive' of the scooter firm. The businessman told him he wanted to purchase the scooter in his company's name. The 'executive' said online purchases require the full amount to be paid in advance, following which the vehicle would be delivered at the customer's doorstep. The businessman told TOI he believed the fraudster as he spoke in impeccable English and provided all details of the vehicle.
The 'executive' asked the businessman to choose the colour and model from the website. "I was impressed by a saffron model and decided to go with the same. He said I had to pay the money in advance," the businessman said. The businessman was told he would be given a Rs 35,000 discount if the full payment was made online. Deceived by the promise, the businessman agreed and received a fake invoice with discount.
The actual price of the vehicle was Rs 1,40,000, but after discount he was asked to pay Rs 1,05,000. The businessman made the payment to the account number shared by the executive in two instalments on the same day. The delivery was scheduled for March 13.
As the executive did not call on Monday, the businessman contacted him and enquired about the delivery. The fraudster asked the businessman to pay Rs 20,000 again, saying the amount would be paid back after deliver as subsidy. "When he asked for more money, I thought something was amiss and realised he was a conman. Later, I filed a complaint," the businessman said.
Cybercrime police, who registered an FIR on March 13, have cautioned people about fraudsters creating fake websites on new vehicles to fool people. Buyers must check the authenticity of the portal before going ahead with any transactions. They said they are trying to trace the fraudster to recover the businessman's money.