Odisha Businessman Loses Rs 40 Lakh To Cyber Fraudsters Who Promised Car Dealership

Cuttack: A businessman in Odisha’s Cuttack city lost Rs 40 lakh to cyber fraudsters who posed as senior officials of a car manufacturing company and offered him dealership, police said.

The businessman, who planned to open a car showroom in Sambalpur, lodged a complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Cuttack on Tuesday. Acting on the complaint, the police have registered a case and initiated an investigation, a senior police official said on Wednesday.

The businessman, who reached out to the company officials seeking guidance for setting up the showroom, was advised to upload the required documents on the company’s official website. However, the businessman unknowingly accessed a fake website and transferred Rs 40.20 lakh to two bank accounts.

The businessman realised that he had been cheated when when the fraudsters demanded more money without making a promised field visit. He then approached the police.

Preliminary investigation showed that the fraudulent bank accounts are based in New Delhi. The police are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the accused.