Fraudster posing as JNU research scholar dupes techie of over Rs 14 lakh

Hyderabad: A 32-year-old software engineer from Warangal approached the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), alleging that he had been cheated of over Rs 14.7 lakh by an unknown fraudster posing as a JNU research scholar on the anonymous chat platform Y99.in.

The complainant stated that about six months ago he came into contact with a woman identifying herself as Lavanya, using the username `Lavs3’ on Y99.in. The two developed a close friendship through regular chats.

The complainant said that on Feb 13, the woman requested for Rs 5,000. Despite repeated requests from the victim, the fraudster refused to share her own bank details and instead provided a bank account in the name of Manikandan Sellamuthu, claiming that he was her father.

Between Feb 17 and April 11, she repeatedly demanded money citing reasons such as PhD research expenses, hospitalisation of family members and grandmother’s medical treatment. “Due to her emotional blackmail, I borrowed from friends and also raised funds through loans, credit cards and by pledging gold,” the victim told police.

The complainant further alleged he was abused and humiliated when he expressed inability to pay an additional amount. On May 2, after he hinted at dying by suicide, she replied, “advance RIP,” prompting him to suspect her genuineness.

Based on the complaint, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Warangal, registered a case under Sections 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the BNS, Sections 66-C, 66-D of the IT Act on Thursday.