Elderly Kolkata Man Duped of Rs 2.6 Lakh During Kashmir Trip with Facebook Friend
Srinagar 21 April 2025: In a shocking incident that underscores the dangers of online relationships, a 73-year-old man from Kolkata was duped of Rs 2.6 lakh during a trip to Kashmir with a woman he had befriended on Facebook. The elderly man, who had developed a bond with the woman over social media, entrusted her with his debit card during their journey, only to discover later that his card had been swapped and his account drained through multiple unauthorized transactions.
The Incident: A Tale of Trust Betrayed
The man, excited about his newfound friendship, planned a trip to Kashmir with the woman he had met online. During the journey, he reportedly fell ill and shared his debit card PIN with her, trusting her to assist him.
- The Scam Unfolds: Upon returning home, his son noticed suspicious transactions from their joint account. Between April 10 and April 14, Rs 2.6 lakh was withdrawn from ATMs in Sodepur and Agarpara.
- Card Swap: When the elderly man checked his belongings, he found that his State Bank of India (SBI) card had been replaced with another bank’s card.
Police Investigation: Tracking the Culprit
The man lodged a complaint at the Baguiati police station, naming the woman as the prime suspect.
- Suspect Details: Authorities suspect the woman may be married and residing in Agarpara, but her phone has been switched off, and her Facebook account deactivated, making it difficult to trace her.
- Ongoing Probe: Police are investigating the case, focusing on the ATM locations and the suspect’s digital footprint.
The Risks of Online Relationships
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with trusting strangers met online. While social media can foster connections, it also opens the door to exploitation, particularly for vulnerable individuals like senior citizens.
- Financial Vulnerability: Sharing sensitive information like PINs and bank cards can lead to devastating consequences.
- Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often exploit emotional bonds to gain trust and access to personal assets.
Safety Tips for Online Interactions
To prevent such incidents, experts recommend the following precautions:
- Never Share Financial Information: Avoid sharing PINs, passwords, or bank cards with anyone, regardless of the circumstances.
- Verify Identities: Conduct thorough background checks before meeting online acquaintances in person.
- Limit Trust: Be cautious about entrusting strangers with personal belongings or sensitive information.
- Educate Vulnerable Groups: Senior citizens should be made aware of the risks associated with online relationships and scams.
A Wake-Up Call for Digital Safety
This case highlights the urgent need for awareness campaigns targeting online safety, particularly for senior citizens who may be less familiar with the risks of digital interactions. By fostering a culture of vigilance and education, such incidents can be minimized.
A Trip to Kashmir Gone Wrong: The Tale of Trust and Betrayal
A Digital Bond Forms
Late one evening, sitting in his modest Kolkata home, 73-year-old Ramesh Dutta scrolled through Facebook, his companion in solitude. His life, once filled with bustling conversations and vibrant markets, had now narrowed down to the screen of his smartphone. As he browsed, a friend request popped up—from a woman named Sana Mir, whose profile displayed scenic pictures of Kashmir, occasional poetic reflections, and a warm smile that spoke of adventure.
Over the following weeks, their online conversations deepened. Sana spoke of the mesmerizing beauty of Dal Lake, the snow-capped mountains of Gulmarg, and the soul-soothing air of Pahalgam. Ramesh, enchanted by her warmth and intrigued by her stories, found himself looking forward to their daily chats. They bonded over shared love for poetry, longing for meaningful companionship, and dreams of travel.
One evening, Sana casually suggested, “Why don’t you visit Kashmir? Let’s meet, and I’ll show you around. It’s the most beautiful place in the world.” The idea excited Ramesh. After months of loneliness, the prospect of a getaway—guided by someone who knew Kashmir intimately—felt like a gift. Little did he know, this trip would soon turn into a nightmare.
The Journey Begins
Despite concerns from his son and friends, Ramesh booked his tickets and packed his bags. He arrived in Srinagar, greeted by the crisp air and stunning landscapes. Sana welcomed him warmly, her demeanor kind and caring. They explored the bustling Lal Chowk, floated on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake, and even ventured into the valleys, where nature seemed to whisper secrets of forgotten time.
But things took an unexpected turn when Ramesh fell slightly ill during the trip. Sana offered to assist him with small errands, including withdrawing cash for daily expenses. Trusting her completely, he handed over his debit card and unknowingly shared his PIN, unaware that it would soon become his biggest mistake.
The Betrayal Unfolds
After returning home, Ramesh resumed his routine, reminiscing about the beauty of Kashmir and his time with Sana. But within days, his son, checking their bank transactions, noticed multiple withdrawals totaling Rs. 2.6 lakh from ATMs in Sodepur and Agarpara—places far from their home in Baguiati.
Alarmed, they rushed to check Ramesh’s belongings. His State Bank of India (SBI) card was missing—replaced with another bank’s card. Confusion turned into panic, and panic into a painful realization: he had been duped. The woman he had trusted was no longer reachable. Her phone was switched off, and her Facebook profile vanished overnight.
Ramesh felt a crushing weight of betrayal—not just financial loss but the emotional devastation of misplaced trust.
Seeking Justice
Determined to hold the fraudster accountable, Ramesh lodged a complaint at the Baguiati police station, naming Sana in the FIR. Investigations revealed she may have been married and residing in Agarpara, but her digital footprint had been wiped clean. With few leads to go on, the authorities faced an uphill battle in tracking her down.
In the wake of his ordeal, Ramesh became a cautionary tale in his community. His story served as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind online friendships and the risks of sharing personal financial details.
The Lessons Learned
As he sat by his window, reflecting on his experience, Ramesh realized the depth of his naivety. Loneliness had made him vulnerable, but it was not just loneliness—it was the human desire for connection, for someone to share moments with.
Now, wiser and more cautious, he advocates for digital safety, warning others:
- Never share financial details, PINs, or cards—even with trusted acquaintances.
- Verify online relationships before investing trust.
- Recognize emotional manipulation and stay vigilant against scams.
Though the wound of betrayal still stung, Ramesh hoped that by sharing his experience, he could prevent others from walking the same painful path.
