A Man, 35, Loses Rs 7,400 In Whatsapp Mobile Scam As Police Investigate

Police have launched an investigation into a sophisticated electronic fraud after a 35-year-old man was swindled out of thousands of rupees through a deceptive mobile application scheme.

The victim, a resident of Terre-Rouge, filed a formal complaint at the Rose-Hill police station reporting that he had been manipulated into transferring funds under the guise of correcting a mistaken transaction.

The Deception

The incident unfolded on 15 January 2026, while the complainant was at his workplace in Ebène.

According to official statements, the victim received a mobile notification falsely claiming that Rs 4,700 had been received via an ATM withdrawal.

Shortly thereafter, a call was placed from the same number. The caller alleged that the transfer had been made in error and requested that the sum be returned immediately.

Step-by-Step Manipulation

When the victim expressed uncertainty on how to process the return, the fraudsters escalated their tactics:

• WhatsApp Guidance: A second number contacted the victim via WhatsApp, providing “step-by-step” instructions on how to use the application to move the money.
• Initial Transfer: Following these directions, the victim transferred Rs 4,700. Upon checking his bank records, he confirmed the amount had been successfully debited from his account.
• Secondary Request: The scammers then pressured the man for a second transfer. Unable to match the initial amount, the victim sent a further Rs 2,700.

Investigation Underway

The fraud came to light when the victim attempted to contact the individual to follow up, only to find he had been blocked. Realising he had been duped, he approached the authorities.

The total financial loss reported stands at Rs 7,400. Police confirmed that pertinent documents have been handed over to assist with the ongoing inquiry. No arrests have been made at this stage.

Source: Defi Media