MONDAY, JULY 08, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Expressing concerns about the rising trend of online traps and cheating, particularly affecting women and children, ‘Bailancho Ekvott’ has urged the Goans to be vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers online.
Auda Viegas, President, 'Bailancho Ekvott', said a woman from a neighbouring State was lured to South Goa with false promises of marriage and care by a German pilot she met online.
“The woman, who was estranged from her husband, was moments away from transferring a significant sum of Rs 25,000 to this individual, believing he was stuck at the airport and needed the money, when our organisation was able to intervene and prevent the transaction. However, it was extremely difficult to make the victim understand that she had been the target of an elaborate scam,” she stated.
Viegas said that this case highlights the level of sophistication and manipulation employed by these predatory individuals, who seem to expertly exploit the vulnerabilities and trust of their targets.
Another incident involved a minor girl being groomed online with a false 'brother-sister' relationship.
According to Viegas, these incidents are not isolated, as her NGO has come across cases of young women being lured with false promises of employment, only to be swindled of their hard-earned money, as well as reports of individuals losing substantial sums while searching for legitimate work-from-home opportunities.
“We urge all residents of Goa to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers online. Verify identifies and intentions. Verify job offers, especially those requiring upfront payments. Do not panic or react hastily to concerning messages or calls, such as claims of a child’s arrest or kidnapping. Instead, immediately contact the police and seek guidance from trusted individuals,” she appealed.
