Fraudster Posing As Astrologer Tricks Bengaluru Woman Into Paying Rs 6 Lakh
What started as a small payment for a basic ceremony soon escalated into a massive financial loss as the fraudster manipulated the woman into paying large sums.
From online scams to fraudulent schemes, people often fall prey to deception. Recently, a report highlighted how a 24-year-old woman from Bengaluru was duped out of over Rs 6 lakh by a man posing as an astrologer on Instagram. The accused, identified as Vijay Kumar, promised to help her resolve issues in her prospective love marriage through rituals. What started as a small payment for a basic ceremony soon escalated into a massive financial loss as the fraudster manipulated her into paying large sums.
According to The Times of India report, the woman, who works for a private firm in Electronics City, discovered the Instagram profile of the fake astrologer in January. The profile claimed to provide astrological services and included an image of an Aghori baba. Intrigued by the claim, she messaged the account, and Vijay Kumar promptly contacted her, asking for her name and date of birth to examine her horoscope. Once he received the information, he assured her that she was destined for a love marriage, but certain difficulties in her horoscope needed to be addressed.
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The astrologer suggested that a puja be performed to remove the obstructions. This initial puja cost Rs 1,820, which the woman thought reasonable and paid with a digital payment app. However, the demands didn’t end there. He constantly made up new problems with her horoscope, convincing her that extra rituals were required to secure the success of her marriage. Over time, the woman ended up transferring Rs 5.9 lakh to the fraudster for these so-called pujas.
Eventually, the woman grew suspicious and refused to make further payments, demanding a refund. The astrologer returned Rs 13,000 but then resorted to emotional manipulation, threatening to end his life if she kept asking for the remaining amount. Soon after, a man named Prashant, posing as a lawyer, called the woman, claiming that Kumar was on the verge of suicide due to her repeated refund requests.
Disturbed by the threats, the woman approached the police. A senior officer from the Electronics City police station noted that the entire episode appeared to be a cybercrime operation, with no legitimate astrologer or advocate involved. Reportedly, Vijay Kumar and his associates are now facing charges under the Information Technology Act and BNS Section 318.
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