Class 8 Student in Vellore Loses ₹45,000 in WhatsApp Foreign Money Scam

Vellore: A Class 8 student from Gudiyatham in Vellore district was cheated of ₹45,000 after falling victim to a WhatsApp scam promising foreign money.

According to police, the student, Gokul, received a message claiming he had received USD 70,000 from abroad. The sender, posing as an international agency, told him that he needed to pay ₹45,000 as customs clearance charges to release the amount.

Believing the message, Gokul transferred the money in three instalments — ₹5,000, ₹15,000, and ₹25,000 — through Google Pay using his sister’s account. After the payment, the scammers blocked his number, cutting off all contact.

Realising the fraud, Gokul informed his sister, who filed a complaint at the Gudiyatham Police Station. The case was later referred to the Cyber Crime Wing at the Vellore District Superintendent of Police Office.

Police have begun an investigation and warned the public against such scams that promise foreign funds, gifts, or job offers. Officials also reminded citizens that no legitimate authority demands payments via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.

Victims of online fraud are advised to report incidents immediately through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the portal cybercrime.gov.in.