Bengaluru: A pilgrimage to Char Dham turned into a costly ordeal for a traveller after a fraudster allegedly lured her with promises of helicopter services, air tickets and hotel bookings, only to pocket Rs 3.9 lakh using fake company credentials and booking documents.According to a complaint filed by Sinchana (name changed), a 39-year-old resident of AECS Layout in Singasandra, she found a number on the internet when she searched for helicopter services. When she called the number, the person on the other end explained the services provided by their “firm” and asked Sinchana to make a payment. The fraudster also shared a fake company ID, GST details, phone number and booking voucher, assuring her that the arrangements were genuine and asking her to pay an advance.After receiving the ID, she began transferring money. He gave different reasons and asked for more payments. In all, she transferred Rs 3.9 lakh to the account numbers and payment details provided by the fraudster between July 26 and Sept 5.The fraud came to light when he again demanded money and she realised that the documents and booking voucher provided by him were fake. She approached Begur police and filed a complaint. A case has been registered against the accused under Information Technology Act and BNS Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation). “We are investigating the bank accounts provided by the fraudster to recover the money,” a senior officer said.
