Man Duped Out of ₹4.1 Lakh While Trying to Book Car Rental in Udupi: What Went Wrong?

Booking a car online should be straightforward, right? That's what a man from West Bengal thought when he looked up car rentals for a trip in Udupi. It seemed easy enough-a quick search, a promising website, a short call with the agent, and he was set. But in a shocking twist, this simple process ended up costing him ₹4.1 lakh.

This unfortunate experience is a wake-up call, especially in a world where we're booking everything online. It's a reminder of how scammers are getting cleverer, and how a little caution can go a long way in protecting us from similar pitfalls.

Routine Car Booking Goes Awry

On November 7, the victim, who was searching for car rentals in Udupi, came across a website named Shakti Car Rentals via Google. The website appeared legitimate, prompting him to proceed with the booking. Shortly after, he was contacted by a person identifying himself as Rohit Sharma, who introduced himself as a representative of the rental company.

Rohit guided the victim through the booking process and instructed him to pay a registration fee of ₹150. When the man attempted this payment using his Canara Bank debit card, he didn’t receive a One-Time Password (OTP), a usual security step. Cautious but reassured by Rohit, the man then tried his State Bank of India (SBI) credit card, yet again, no OTP arrived.

The Loss

Despite the red flags, the victim continued with the booking, following Rohit's suggestion to pay the driver directly upon arrival. However, around 1:47 pm, he began receiving alarming bank notifications: a debit of ₹3.3 lakh from his SBI credit card and another ₹80,056 from his Canara Bank debit card. In total, he lost ₹4.1 lakh to this scheme.

Realizing he had been deceived, the victim discovered that the transaction was processed through a fake payment portal, which captured his card details and enabled unauthorized charges.

Red Flags and Warning Signs to Note

This case demonstrates common warning signs of online fraud. Here are a few red flags the victim experienced that are worth noting:

1. No OTP Received: Missing OTPs during transactions can indicate a spoofed payment page.
2. Unusual Payment Requests: When asked to pay through non-standard methods or to repeat a payment without security verification, it’s best to halt the transaction.
3. Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use a friendly tone or urgency to make you comply. In this case, Rohit insisted that payment could simply be handled upon arrival, deflecting concerns about the missing OTPs.

Safeguarding Yourself

With online fraud becoming more prevalent, adopting certain safeguards can reduce the risk of falling victim. Here are key measures to consider:

1. Use Verified Platforms for Bookings

Stick to well-known and trusted platforms, especially for online car rentals and other travel-related bookings. Check for “https://” in the website URL, which indicates a secure connection, and research the company’s legitimacy through reviews and official listings. Avoid entering personal or payment details on unfamiliar sites.

2. Double-Check Contact Information and Identities

If someone contacts you to “assist” with your booking, verify their identity. Use official contact information from verified sources rather than phone numbers or emails provided by the caller. Legitimate companies rarely require payment details via phone or outside the secured website.

3. Be Wary of Payment Anomalies

If you encounter issues like missing OTPs, unusual payment requests, or being asked to use alternative methods, pause and reconsider. Scammers often use these tactics to keep you on their platform, bypassing standard security measures. Avoid repeating transactions if there’s anything suspicious.

4. Enable Strong Security Measures

For online banking and payment apps, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and transaction alerts. These measures add a layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized transactions to occur. Regularly monitor your account activity to quickly catch any suspicious charges.

5. Report Suspected Scams Immediately

If you believe you’ve been scammed, report it to your bank and relevant authorities as soon as possible. Immediate reporting can help prevent further unauthorized transactions and may aid in recovering lost funds. Many banks have protocols in place for handling fraudulent activities and may assist in blocking future transactions.

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