Purchasing IPL tickets on Facebook costs dearly for Bengaluru Woman

In all a distressing incident, a 43-year-old woman from Bengaluru fell victim to an online scam amounting to Rs 86,000 while attempting to purchase tickets for an IPL cricket match through a Facebook account. 

The unfortunate incident unfolded when the woman, eager to secure tickets for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru-Kolkata Knight Riders match, came across a Facebook page named “IPL Cricket Ticket” offering tickets for sale.

Trusting the legitimacy of the account, the woman initiated contact and expressed her interest in purchasing 20 tickets. The scammer, posing as a ticket seller, requested an upfront payment of Rs 8,000 to reserve the tickets. 

Believing the offer to be genuine, she complied and transferred the requested amount. But then, he asked for more. He wanted Rs 11,000. She agreed and sent it. Then, he asked for Rs 8,170 for something else. She paid again. This went on, with him asking for more money in separate transactions—Rs 14,999 and Rs 21,000. She kept sending money, not realizing she was being scammed.

However, the scammer proceeded to demand additional sums under various pretexts, including technical issues and processing fees.

In a series of transactions, the woman transferred further amounts totaling Rs 86,000, only to realize that she had been deceived when the scammer failed to provide the promised tickets or initiate refunds. Despite her demands for restitution, the scammer evaded accountability and eventually dared her to involve the police.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the woman promptly reported the scam to the authorities, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. 

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with online transactions and underscores the importance of exercising caution and due diligence when engaging in such activities.

The woman’s unfortunate ordeal highlights the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among internet users to safeguard against fraudulent schemes. 

As scams continue to proliferate in the digital realm, it is imperative for individuals to verify the authenticity of sellers and refrain from making impulsive payments, thereby mitigating the risk of falling victim to online fraud.