A chilling case of online property fraud has come to light in Bengaluru where a businessman, Vimal Malu, was duped of ₹30 lakh by a woman fraudster.

Vimal, who was searching for commercial space, had uploaded his requirements on the popular portal MagicBricks. Seizing the opportunity, a woman identifying herself as Swati alias Saraswati contacted him claiming she owned a premium 1,725 sq ft flat in the prestigious Prestige Meridian apartments, MG Road.She convinced Vimal that the property was available for ₹2.30 crore. Naixa Women's Chanderi with Cotton Lining Embroidered Straight Kurta with Pant and Dupatta Sets (NX4-556)

To build trust, she personally took him to the apartment, showed him around, and allowed inspection. Everything appeared genuine.She then demanded ₹30 lakh as an advance/token amount, saying it had to be paid immediately to the owners” through cheque.

Trusting her completely, Vimal issued the cheque. The moment the cheque was deposited and cleared, Swati withdrew the entire amount in cash and vanished.Also Read: Alok Kumar takes charge as DGP of Prisons & Correctional Services Department..!

Later, when Vimal contacted the actual owners of the flat, he was shocked to learn they had never put the property up for sale and had no idea about any such deal.

A cheating case has now been registered at Ashoknagar Police Station. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused Swati alias Saraswati.

This incident once again highlights the rising danger of online property fraud where fraudsters pose as genuine owners/sellers and disappear after collecting huge advances.Also Read: New Year Crackdown on Drugs: Police unveil Master Plan..!