Victim Loses Rs 9,800 After Scammer Claims Rs 4,900 Was Sent by Mistake

Police have issued an urgent warning to the public following a surge in mobile payment scams, after a 37-year-old man from Quatre-Bornes was swindled while attempting to return money sent to his account by mistake.

The authorities revealed that approximately 20 similar cases have been recorded at various police stations across the country, indicating a widespread and coordinated fraudulent scheme.

The Quatre-Bornes Incident

The victim, a resident of Quatre-Bornes, became a target on Sunday, December 14, after receiving a notification on his mobile phone.

The alert informed him that a sum of Rs 4,900 had been deposited into his bank account via the Juice payment application.

Shortly after the transaction, the man was contacted by an individual claiming to have transferred the money in error.

Appealing to the victim’s honesty, the suspect requested that the funds be returned immediately.

How the Scam Unfolded

In a bid to do the right thing, the complainant initiated a transfer to return the money. However, the suspect claimed the transaction had failed and that he had not received the funds.

Trusting the caller’s word, the 37-year-old repeated the operation. It was only later that he realised he had been manipulated into transferring a total of Rs 9,800—double the original amount.

Following the second payment, the suspected fraudster ceased all communication and refused to answer any further calls.

Official Advice

The police have highlighted this case as a cautionary tale for the public. They urge citizens to remain vigilant when approached by strangers regarding accidental bank transfers and to verify all transactions directly with their banking institutions before taking action.

Source: Le Mauricien

Stay Protected:

• 📱 Verify all transactions directly in your official banking app.
• 📞 Never rush to send money back to a stranger.
• 🏦 Contact your bank immediately if you receive unexpected funds.