Fake Car Auction Scam Cheats Man ₹14 Lakh

Chandigarh : A shocking case of cyber fraud has surfaced from Chandigarh where a resident was duped of ₹14 lakh in the name of purchasing a low-cost vehicle through a fake bank auction scheme. The scam involved a fake group presenting itself as a legitimate “bank auction vehicle sellers” unit, which misled the victim into transferring a large sum under the promise of receiving a premium vehicle at a discounted rate.

According to the complaint, the victim came across an advertisement about bank auction vehicles being sold at highly subsidized prices. He contacted the number listed, and the scammers professionally guided him through a fake process, complete with forged documents, emails posing as bank officials, and false promises of quick vehicle delivery. The group had also created a convincing WhatsApp group to add legitimacy and kept the victim engaged by sending vehicle photos, auction listings, and fake registration slips.

The victim, lured by the deal, transferred a total of ₹14 lakh in multiple transactions. When the vehicle never arrived and communication began to break down, he realized he had been scammed and approached the cybercrime cell.

The Chandigarh Police cybercrime team swiftly launched an investigation, tracing the digital and financial footprints to Mumbai. In a joint operation, three suspects were arrested from different parts of Mumbai. Preliminary investigations reveal that the accused were involved in multiple such scams across various states, posing as bank officials and using stolen or forged identities.

The police have recovered several mobile phones, SIM cards, and forged documents from the arrested individuals. Authorities have also frozen multiple bank accounts used in the scam and are investigating other potential victims.

This case highlights the growing menace of online financial frauds and the sophistication with which scammers operate today. Authorities are urging citizens to be cautious while dealing with online advertisements, especially those offering “too good to be true” deals. It is also advised to verify directly with banks or authorized sellers before making any payments.