In the vast world of online scams, innocent individuals are falling prey to enticing offers and false promises, leading them into the virtual realm of deception and easy money. Swindlers operate under friendly facades, using too-good-to-be-true opportunities to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps.
Deceptive Offers of Free iPhones and Discounts from Dubai Lure Unsuspecting Victims
A concerning trend has emerged in India, where scammers are utilizing virtual numbers with the +92 country code, often associated with Pakistan, to carry out fraudulent activities. Unsuspecting individuals are being targeted with alluring promises, like receiving discounted goods from Dubai, such as the coveted iPhone 14.
Virag Doshi’s Unfortunate Tale: A Victim of the Virtual Number Scam
Virag Doshi, a 24-year-old businessman from Dhandhuka, Ahmedabad district, became a recent victim of the virtual number scam. After receiving a message on his Instagram account claiming he had won a free iPhone 14 from “Bade Bhai and Chhote Bhai,” Doshi eagerly paid a nominal amount of Rs 3,000 through UPI, believing he would receive a phone worth Rs 70,000 for free.
Allured by False Promises, Businessman Pays for a Free iPhone 14, Only to Be Disappointed
Soon after, Doshi received a call from a +92 country code number, where the caller identified himself as ‘Bade Bhai’ from Dubai, assuring Doshi that his iPhone 14 and a watch were ready for delivery at Surat airport. Encouraged, Doshi looked forward to receiving his prized possessions.
In another call, a person named ‘Sanjay Sharma’ posed as the package sender, speaking fluently in Gujarati. Sharma asked for an additional Rs 8,000 for delivery purposes, and Doshi, still under the scammer’s influence, complied and paid the cash. Unfortunately, he never received the promised watch and iPhone.
Virtual Number Scammers Continue to Exploit and Deceive Innocent Targets
Beware of virtual number scams, as cybercriminals continue to exploit innocent victims with alluring offers and false identities. Stay vigilant, and avoid falling for deceptive traps that promise easy money and freebies, as the repercussions can be severe and heartbreaking.