India is progressing in the digital world. From gadgets to groceries, everything is available to buy online and at competitive prices. However, not everything we see online is legitimate. This growing digital space is also harbouring scammers who are looking to prey on unsuspecting individuals, and dupe them of money. Just like how in a recent case a dairy farmer from Gurugram ended up losing money while buying cows online.
The case was recently highlighted in a report by the Indian Express, where a 50-year-old dairy farmer named Sukhbir, residing in Gurgaon’s Pandala, unfortunately fell victim to an elaborate online scam. His son, Parveen (30), described the incident where his father lost money while attempting to buy cows online at a heavy discount compared to offline rates. Parveen revealed that his father was using his phone and watching YouTube videos when he stumbled upon a website on Google offering cows at a significantly lower price of Rs 95,000, compared to the usual offline price of around Rs 1 lakh. Though unsure how his father got the link to the website, whether through an ad or a number, when his father tried to inquire about the deal, the scammers started sending him photos of cows on WhatsApp and initially quoted a price of Rs 35,000. When Sukhbir expressed interest in buying four cows, the price was reduced to Rs 95,000, with the false promise that the cows would be registered under a gaushala.
Believing it to be a legitimate deal, Praveen’s father made transactions totaling Rs 22,999 between January 19 and 20. However, as Sukhbir continued to make payments, the scammers demanded additional funds, raising red flags. Later, when the scammers asked for more money, Sukhbir realised that the offer was fraudulent, and no actual cows were available for purchase. Later, he filed a complaint under Indian Penal Code sections 419 and 420 for cheating against unknown persons.
While online scams have been raising concerns about digital security, this case in particular highlights how far scammers are willing to go to deceive people.
Here are a few essential tips to stay safe from such scams:
- Verify sellers: Always verify the credentials and authenticity of sellers, especially when dealing with online transactions. Look for reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous customers.
- Avoid unrealistic offers: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Unrealistically low prices may indicate a scam.
- Use secure payment methods: Choose secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or trusted online payment platforms. Avoid making payments through unconventional or untraceable channels.
- Confirm details and locations: Before making any payments or commitments, verify details such as the seller’s identity, location of the goods, and terms of the transaction. Be wary of sellers who are reluctant to provide clear information.
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