Online Fraud Alert: In a startling incidence, a shop owner in Jaipur’s well-known Johri Bazaar conned a US woman called Cherish into paying an astounding ₹ 6 crore for fake jewellery that was only worth ₹ 300. When Cherish displayed the necklace at a US exhibition and realised it was phoney, the fraudulent sale was exposed.
The Deception Unveiled
Since 2022, American citizen Cherish has spoken with Gaurav Soni, the shop owner, via Instagram. She spent a staggering ₹ 6 crore over the course of two years on what she thought were real gold and silver jewellery. However, the jewellery turned out to be far less valuable than she had been told—it was only silver pieces polished with gold.
Confrontation and Police Involvement
When Cherish discovered the scam, she took off for India to face Gaurav Soni at his store in Johri Bazaar, Jaipur. After Soni rejected her allegations, she filed a police report and asked the US embassy for help. Since then, the embassy has asked Jaipur Police to look into the situation in great depth.
Shop Owners on the Run
Both Gaurav Soni and his father Rajendra Soni have fled, and the police have begun a hunt for them. An officer said, “Special teams have been formed to trace the two men.” The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with doing business online and the necessity of confirming the legitimacy of expensive purchases.
How to Stay Safe from Online Frauds
It’s critical to maintain vigilance and safeguard oneself from possible scammers in light of the surge in online fraud. The following useful advice can help you stay safe:
- Verify the Seller: Before making any purchases, always do some research on the seller. Examine ratings and reviews, and confirm their qualifications. The likelihood of fraud is decreased by reliable sources and authentic accounts.
- Request Certifications: A certificate of authenticity should be requested for expensive things like jewellery. Reputable vendors ought to be able to offer the necessary paperwork.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Select safe payment options that provide protection. Steer clear of direct bank transfers and payments made using unreliable techniques.
- Communicate Directly:Direct contact with the seller is preferred whenever feasible. Inquire about the product and demand comprehensive details.
- Check Return Policies: Make sure the seller’s return and refund policies are clear. If the product does not live up to your expectations, this can be helpful.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Report anything suspicious to the platform, your bank, and the local police right away if you think you’ve been conned.
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