Udupi, August 29, 2025 – Two distinct cyber fraud cases have surfaced in Udupi district, highlighting the growing prevalence of online scams.

Manipal Case (Crime No. 154/2025)

On August 20, 2025, a 75-year-old resident sent a check request slip to Mumbai via speed post, which did not reach its destination by August 26. Upon contacting the speed post office online at 2:00 PM on August 26, the complainant was instructed to pay an additional ₹5 online for delivery. After complying, ₹1,50,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from their bank account without their knowledge. The case was registered at Manipal Police Station under Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000 (identity theft and cheating by impersonation), and Section 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 (cheating), carrying penalties up to seven years imprisonment and fines.

Malpe Case (Crime No. 94/2025)

On August 24, 2025, a 25-year-old received a Telegram message from an account named “Poonam,” promising high earnings for online tasks. After sharing personal and bank details, the complainant completed tasks, receiving small payments (₹900, ₹9,100, and ₹800) to gain trust. Between August 24 and 27, 2025, the fraudsters, using names like Rujani and Krishna, manipulated the complainant into transferring ₹5,70,000 through multiple transactions via provided links, promising higher returns. The case was registered at Malpe Police Station under Sections 316(2) (cheating), 318(4) (cheating with knowledge of wrongful loss), and 112 (organized crime) of BNS 2023, and Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000, with penalties up to seven years imprisonment and fines.