Online astrology scam: Engineer loses Rs. 12 lakh

MUMBAI: An engineer who installed an astrology app has lost over Rs 12 lakh to a scam by cybercriminals. The victim is an engineer named VK Ramekbal, who lives in Bandra East. He had downloaded the app ‘Divine Talk’ in January 2023. When he faced problems related to his career and personal life, Ramekbal contacted an astrologer named ‘Nishant’ through the app earlier this year. The astrologer assured him that he could solve the problems for Rs 6,300 through special puja rituals. After paying the money, another person asked Ramekbal to pay another Rs 15,300 to complete the tantric rituals. Another Rs 28,000 was demanded for the next stage of the procedure. Ramekbal handed over the money.

The criminals then threatened Ramekbal that his life would be in danger if he did not complete the rituals. He then sent the money in cash and through a credit card. When Ramekbal contacted the app’s customer care and asked for a refund, they refused. After searching on Google, Ramekbal found that many other people had been duped in a similar manner. By then, he had lost Rs 12.21 lakh. Ramekbal then filed a complaint with the police.