Booked cab, lost cash: Belagavi man duped of Rs 99,000

Belagavi: Those renting cars through apps or online must exercise caution as cyber fraudsters continue to target unsuspecting users. A Belagavi resident lost Rs 99,000 while attempting to book a rental car online. The fraudsters siphoned off the entire amount from his bank account. The victim has been identified as Sanjeev Mutteppagol, an employee at the Belagavi regional commissioner’s office.

On March 27, Sanjeev searched online to book a rental car. During this process, he contacted one Neelam Rajput, associated with a website called Lakshmi Car Rental Goa. On enquiring about a trip from Belagavi city to the airport, he was told the fare would be Rs 800. He was asked to download an app and proceed with the booking, and was sent a link to an application named ‘Car Rental’.

Following the instructions, Sanjeev attempted to download the app, but it failed to install properly. On further directions, he paid Rs 149 through PhonePe. When the booking was still not confirmed, he contacted the person again for clarification. Under the pretext of assisting with the download, the fraudster asked him to share his mobile screen via Google Meet.

Unaware of the risk, Sanjeev shared access, allowing the fraudster to gain control of his mobile and banking details. The accused then withdrew Rs 99,000 from his account without his knowledge.

A case has been registered at the Belagavi City CEN police station, and further investigation is under way.