Between December 24–26, victim made 12 UPI payments ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 35,000 under promise of financial help; assistance never materialised, police are tracing the accused
The victim was lured by an Instagram account “Afsar vloger” promising financial help. Representation pic/istock
A promise of financial help from Saudi Arabia cost a 24-year-old Tardeo plumber Rs 1.41 lakh after he was allegedly duped via Instagram, police said.
Tardeo police said the victim was contacted by an account named “Afsar vloger”, claiming to be based in Saudi Arabia and offering financial assistance. Over time, the conversation moved to WhatsApp, where the accused called him and asked for bank details, claiming funds were being transferred.
The accused later alleged the transfer was stuck and demanded small payments to release the money. When the plumber expressed his inability to pay further amounts, he was threatened with misuse of his bank details, false criminal cases, and jail, forcing him to continue paying out of fear.
Between December 24 and 26, the victim made 12 UPI transactions ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 35,000, totalling Rs 1.41 lakh. Despite repeated payments, no funds were received, and fresh demands continued.
Realising he had been cheated, the plumber informed his family and filed a complaint. A case has been registered under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are tracing the accused through the Instagram account and the mobile numbers used.
Police advisory
>> No genuine benefactor asks for processing fees
>> Never share bank details with unknown online contacts
>> Stop payments if threats begin
>> Report cyber fraud immediately at 1930
>> Approach the nearest police station without delay
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