Businessman in Odisha Falls Victim to Cyber Fraud in Grand Car Showroom Scam

A businessman from Cuttack, Odisha, fell victim to a cyber fraud where Rs 40 lakh was stolen by scammers pretending to be senior officials of a car company. He was duped into depositing money into fake accounts while planning to open a car showroom. An investigation is underway.

A businessman in Cuttack, Odisha, was scammed out of Rs 40 lakh by cybercriminals impersonating high-level executives of a car manufacturing firm, according to police on Wednesday.

The businessman intended to establish a car showroom in Sambalpur and initiated contact with company representatives for advice. He was instructed to submit documents via the official website. Instead, he unwittingly entered a fraudulent site, transferring Rs 40.20 lakh to two separate accounts.

Realizing the deceit when the fraudsters demanded additional funds but failed to deliver on promised on-ground support, the businessman reported the issue to cyber police. Initial investigations have traced the bank accounts to New Delhi. Further probes are ongoing, the police confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)