In a cautionary tale of online transactions gone awry, a Bengaluru-based engineer found himself at the center of an OTP scam while attempting to sell his bed on the popular platform OLX. What started as a routine online sale turned into a nightmare, resulting in the techie losing a staggering Rs 68 lakh. This incident sheds light on the increasing prevalence of scams targeting unsuspecting individuals in the digital space.
The Innocent Bed Sale Turned Nightmare:
The 39-year-old engineer decided to sell his bed through OLX and posted an advertisement for interested buyers. Little did he know that this seemingly straightforward transaction would turn into a sophisticated scam. A person, claiming to be a furniture store owner, expressed interest in buying the used bed for Rs 15,000. However, what followed was a series of manipulative tactics that led to the techie losing a substantial sum of money.
Unraveling the Scam:
The buyer, citing a supposed error in making a UPI transaction, began a devious game with the unsuspecting engineer. The techie was coerced into sending varying amounts of money, each time receiving a larger sum in return. The manipulative tactics involved sending excess money “by mistake” and then requesting the techie to return the overpaid amount using a provided link and sharing OTPs. Falling into the OTP trap proved to be the engineer’s downfall, resulting in a loss of Rs 68 lakh.
Learning from the Incident:
This incident serves as a stark reminder for individuals engaged in online transactions to exercise caution. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting trust and manipulating users into sharing sensitive information. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of buyers and sellers, avoid sharing OTPs, and be skeptical of unusual transaction requests.
The unfortunate incident of a Bengaluru techie losing Rs 68 lakh while attempting to sell his bed on OLX underscores the need for heightened awareness regarding online scams. As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers, making it imperative for individuals to stay vigilant and adopt safe online practices. By learning from such incidents, users can contribute to creating a safer digital environment, ensuring that online transactions remain convenient and secure.
