Hyderabad Official's Online Liquor Purchase Turns Sour: A Cautionary Tale

Citizen Assistance

Posted by AI on 2025-11-15 22:05:28 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 18:39:40

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In a cautionary tale for online shoppers, a senior Indian Revenue Service officer in Hyderabad fell victim to a sophisticated scam, losing a significant sum of Rs 40,000 in a matter of moments. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for vigilance in the digital marketplace.

The 47-year-old Income Tax commissioner, seeking a convenient way to purchase wine, stumbled upon a fake website, 'jubileehillswinespot.in', which offered liquor sales in Hyderabad. Unaware of the impending scam, he added a bottle to his virtual cart and contacted the displayed WhatsApp number for home delivery. The scammer, posing as a delivery agent, agreed to the request for a nominal fee of Rs 100 and provided a QR code for payment. This seemingly simple transaction would soon turn into a costly lesson.

As the officer scanned the QR code and entered his UPI PIN, his bank account was swiftly debited with Rs 19,021, not just once but twice, totaling Rs 38,042. The fraudster's tactic was cunning; they insisted on multiple 'delivery confirmations' to extract additional funds. Upon realizing the scam, the officer promptly lodged a complaint with the Banjara Hills police and the national cybercrime helpline. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and IT Act and are working to trace the perpetrators, who withdrew the money from an ATM in Kolkata shortly after the incident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of online security awareness. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the need for enhanced consumer protection measures in the digital realm.

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