Beware of fraudsters offering non-medical cures

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A 79-year-old retired resident from Navi Mumbai was allegedly cheated of Rs 5 lakh by a man posing as a doctor who promised to cure his knee ailment without surgery, highlighted our report.

Fakes impersonate all kinds of people from financial experts to political leaders, celebrities, athletes... the list is long. Prime amongst these are healers promising all kinds of quick, unconventional cures.

Here is one more example where a conman learned about the target's knee pain and promised a cure without surgery. and used a device resembling a conch shell, which is a huge red flag.

The victim parted with Rs 5 lakh in cash after the accused cited income tax-related benefits. Finally, the accused realised he was conned, approached the police, an FIR was registered. Efforts are being made to trace the accused.

Beware the charlatans promising unscientific healing. Always put your faith in Science. Ask questions and talk to close friends if there is a doubt.

Talk about a break up of expenses that this treatment will cost you. Ask if you will be able to have a bill and details of the treatment costs. If you witness any waffling and haggling at that stage, alarm bells must start ringing.

One must also ask to talk to other patients who have been cured or treated for similar ailments. One can smell a set-up, if one talks to others, even if they are not really patients or are ‘in' with the plot.

Fraudsters have their antenna up for those vulnerable, through their pain or distress and snare then through that. Stay sharp and sceptical.