Cybercriminals Deceive MLA with Fortuner Scam, Swindling ₹1.27 Lakh

Cyber fraud continues to be a significant problem in the modern era, impacting individuals from all walks of life. Recently, cybercriminals targeted a BJP MLA, Kushwaha Shashibhushan Mehta, from the Panki assembly seat, employing a sophisticated scam. Posing as GST customs officials, the fraudsters lured the MLA into participating in a vehicle auction, specifically highlighting a seized Fortuner. They sent images of the vehicle via WhatsApp, valuing it at ₹12.70 lakh. The MLA was convinced to pay 10% of the price, ₹1.27 lakh, under the pretense of securing the vehicle, even receiving a fake payment receipt. Following the transaction, the scammers became unreachable. The MLA has filed a complaint with the cybercrime police, leading to an investigation into the fraudulent activity. Meanwhile, Ranchi cyber police have apprehended Vijay Prakash, a cyber fraudster from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for a separate scam involving investment schemes promoted via YouTube, resulting in the theft of ₹23.95 lakh from multiple victims.