Man Loses Rs.5.4 Lakh in Online Franchise Fraud in Hyderabad
The police cautioned the people to beware of fake franchise and distributorship offers
Hyderabad: A 46-year-old man from Chudi Bazaar lost ₹5.41 lakh in an online franchise fraud.
While searching online for distributorship opportunities with a popular paints company, he came across a website and filled out an enquiry form. He was later contacted by a man identifying himself as Ayush, a “Team Leader” of the company, who, along with another man named Deevakar Singh posing as a “relationship manager,” sent forged documents, franchise details, and a registration form via WhatsApp.
Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim made several payments: ₹49,500 as registration charges, ₹2.50 lakh for product dispatch, ₹90,000 for GST, ₹1.51 lakh as an additional payment, and ₹1.68 lakh for software installation, amounting to a total of ₹5.41 lakh.
Despite repeated promises to refund the money or send the goods, neither occurred. The victim eventually realised he had been defrauded through a fake website and by impersonators.
In an advisory, police cautioned people to beware of fake franchise and distributorship offers. Fraudsters create fake websites and impersonate reputed companies to lure victims into paying large sums for bogus opportunities. They use forged documents, agreements, and invoices to appear genuine, and demand payments in multiple stages, such as registration fees, product dispatch charges, GST, and other costs, while promising refunds or deliveries that never materialise.
Authorities advise verifying the authenticity of a company through its official website and customer care numbers listed on reliable sources. Business proposals should be cross-checked directly with the company’s registered office before making any payment. Communications conducted solely via WhatsApp or personal mobile numbers should be treated with suspicion.
Police also urged people to avoid making payments to personal bank accounts or accounts not clearly in the company’s registered name. Awareness and prompt reporting are key to preventing further victimisation. All communication, including messages, call records, and transaction proofs, should be preserved.
Victims of cybercrime fraud can immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any cyber fraud emergency, they can also call or WhatsApp 8712665171, police said.