Instagram Scam Woman Loses ₹2 Lakh Seeking Wedding Gifts from Brothers

In Lucknow, a woman residing in Indiranagar, who wished to remain anonymous and is referred to as Salma, became a victim of an online fraud orchestrated through Instagram. Salma recounted her ordeal to the police, stating that on April 22, she encountered three individuals on the social media platform: Ravi Kumar, Rana Pratap Singh, and Manoj. Over time, these individuals gained her trust and convinced her to regard them as her brothers.

As the interactions progressed, Ravi Kumar initiated contact with Salma through phone calls, offering to provide her with expensive wedding items. In order to facilitate the delivery of these items, the scammers requested Salma's personal documents, including her Aadhar card and photographs, under the guise of shipping requirements. Subsequently, Manoj, one of the perpetrators, informed Salma that the purported shipment had been seized at the airport.

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Manoj then coerced Salma into transferring a significant sum of money to release the package. Initially hesitant, Salma relented after Manoj threatened to involve law enforcement agencies such as the CBI, Crime Branch, or Income Tax department if she refused to comply. Fearing legal repercussions, Salma succumbed to the pressure and transferred ₹1.94 lakh online through a QR code provided by the fraudsters.

Realizing she had fallen victim to a scam, Salma reported the incident to the police, prompting them to launch an investigation into the matter. An FIR was lodged, and the police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone, Abhijit Shankar, are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.