'Congratulations, you won a BMW and Rs 357 crore'

Online fraudsters convince Bangalore businessman to deposit Rs 1.54 lakh in some accounts so the funds and luxury car can be dispatched to India

Online fraudsters convince Bangalore businessman to deposit Rs 1.54 lakh in some accounts so the funds and luxury car can be dispatched to India

KJ Sukumar, a city-based businessman, is probably unaware of the saying 'There is no such thing as a free lunch'. Sukumar was duped of Rs 1.54 lakh by online fraudsters who convinced him that he had won a brand new BMW M Sports Saloon Car.

Sukumar, who lives in Chandra Layout, was reportedly very excited when he received the e-mail congratulating him. The e-mail said his email id had not only won a brand new BMW M sports Saloon Car but also Rs 357 crore. "Sukumar was asked to contact barrister Steve More, the company's agent, to claim his prize.

Sukumar thanked his stars and immediately contacted More who confirmed that he had indeed won a BMW and Rs 357 cr," explained a police officer from Chandra Layout.

More also said he would need Sukumar to pay for the import of the vehicle and the transfer of funds into India.u00a0
"Sukumar withdrew Rs 24,000 from his provident fund and deposited it in an bank account held by Ganesh Supplies in the Andheri neighbourhood of Mumbai.

When Sukumar called More to confirm whether he had received the amount, he was told that he would have to deposit another Rs 1.3 lakh in another account that was held by someone in Bhavnagar, Gujarat,' added the officer.

Sukumar received a certificate and some documents on June 21 from More along with a request of Rs 2.5 lakh as an advance for shipping the car. Sukumar told More that he had no money. "Sukumar asked More to deduct the amount from his prize money.

KJ Sukumar received a certificate and some documents on June 21 with a request of Rs 2.5 lakh as an advance for shipping the car.

More stopped mailing Sukumar and switched off his mobile phone," said the officer. The Chandra Layout police told MiD DAY that gangs operating in metro cities acquire an UK ascent to woo gullible people. Though such incidents keep occurring and get widely reported, people continue to fall prey to them.

Sukumar sounded very embarrassed when MiD DAY called him. "I have nothing to say to you on the subject. This is a personal matter. I have lodged my complaint with the police and they are investigating," said Sukumar.