Sambalpur Youth Loses ₹27K in Fake Reward Scam

Sambalpur: A young man from Pandaripathar village in Sambalpur district has fallen victim to cyber fraud, losing Rs27,000 to scammers who lured him with the promise of a government reward.

According to police, the victim, Rohit Munda, received a phone call claiming he had been selected for a Rs 10 lakh government prize in recognition of his social service work.

The caller instructed him to deposit Goods and Services Tax (GST) charges to claim the reward.

Believing the offer to be genuine, Rohit transferred the money in multiple instalments. Soon after, the fraudsters demanded additional payments under different pretexts. When he refused, they resorted to threats and abusive language.

Realising he had been cheated, Rohit lodged a complaint at the Gobindpur police station.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams, stressing that government rewards are never disbursed through random phone calls or personal bank transfers.

Authorities advised verifying any such claims with official sources before making payments.