Mangaluru: A 45-year-old man lost about Rs 3.1 lakh after fraudsters posing as representatives of a bank tricked him into sharing his credit card details and OTP through a fake website in the guise of credit card upgrade.The Mumbai resident had come to his mother’s house at Karnire on June 17. At 6.30 pm, he received a phone call. The caller identified himself as a representative of a bank and offered to upgrade the complainant’s credit card to a lifetime card. After the complainant agreed, the caller sent a link via WhatsApp. On clicking the link, a website opened, where the complainant entered his credit card details and the OTP as instructed.Shortly afterwards, multiple transactions were carried out from his credit card. The complainant has alleged that he was cheated by persons who falsely promised to upgrade his credit card. Mulki Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.Man loses Rs 4 Lakh in trading app scamA 62-year-old man was allegedly cheated of Rs 4 lakh after fraudsters lured him into investing in a fake trading platform through a WhatsApp group promising double returns. According to the complaint, on April 29, the complainant received a WhatsApp message that claimed that investments made through its trading app would generate double profits. Believing the offer to be genuine, the complainant joined the Aarna Trading Group on WhatsApp. Following the instructions shared in the group, he allegedly transferred Rs 50,000 on April 29, Rs 50,000 on May 1 and Rs 4 lakh on May 3, amounting to a total investment of Rs 5 lakh.On May 7, when the complainant informed a friend about the investment, he was advised that it was likely to be a fraudulent trading app and was asked to withdraw his money immediately. When he attempted to withdraw the funds, only Rs 1 lakh was credited back to his account. The remaining Rs 4 lakh could not be withdrawn. When he contacted the operators through the WhatsApp group and the trading app seeking a refund, he found that both the WhatsApp group and the trading app had blocked him. Mangaluru North police have registered a case.Man duped of Rs 3.5 Lakh in part-time job scamA 44-year-old man was allegedly cheated of Rs 3.5 lakh by fraudsters posing as representatives of a company offering part-time employment and promising high returns on investments. According to the complaint, on Aug 24, 2025, at 1 pm, the complainant received a phone call and the caller claimed to be representing a company and offered him a part-time job. The following day, the complainant was asked to pay a registration fee of Rs 1,000. A QR code was sent to him through WhatsApp from mobile number, following which he transferred the amount. Subsequently, the complainant received calls from various mobile numbers. The callers introduced themselves as the company’s manager and accountant. They repeatedly assured him that the company was a genuine company and promised that if he invested money, he would receive higher returns at the end of every month.Trusting their claims, the complainant transferred money in phases. However, he was neither provided any work nor was his money refunded. When he demanded a refund, the accused allegedly insisted that he first pay an additional ‘refund processing’ amount to receive his money back. Believing their assurances, the complainant continued making payments and eventually lost money. A case has been registered at the Kavoor police station.
