By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 1 October,2025

In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 42-year-old woman from Noida lost ₹32 lakh while trying to make her minor daughter a professional model. The incident, which highlights the growing menace of online scams targeting parents, has prompted the police to lodge a formal complaint at the Cybercrime Branch police station.

How the Scam Unfolded

According to police sources, the woman had been searching for legitimate child modelling opportunities for her daughter when she was contacted by fraudsters on Telegram, a popular messaging platform. The criminals claimed they could assist in building her daughter’s modelling career but required her to complete a series of tasks and financial transactions to qualify.

An officer, who requested anonymity, explained, “When the woman was looking for child modelling opportunities for her daughter, she came in contact with the fraudsters through Telegram and was asked to complete some tasks to get assistance in the modelling process.”

The victim’s FIR revealed that the scammers initially asked her to deposit ₹90,000, claiming that every “merchant task” involved three steps. She was told that unless she completed all three steps, the money would be forfeited. This clever manipulation preyed on the mother’s aspirations for her daughter’s future.

Escalation of the Fraud

Once the initial sum was transferred, the fraudsters asked for more funds, insisting that her account had been “frozen” and additional payments were required to unfreeze it. Over the next few weeks, the woman transferred a total of ₹17 lakh in multiple transactions.

When the scammers demanded more money, she went to extreme measures to meet their demands. Police said, “The woman then took a loan against her jewellery and transferred ₹17 lakh more. When fraudsters demanded ₹12 lakh more, she realised to have fallen into a trap.”

By the time the mother understood she had been duped, she had lost ₹32 lakh to the cybercriminals.

Police Response

The Cybercrime Branch of Noida took immediate cognizance of the case. Station House Officer Ranjeet Singh confirmed, “A case under Sections 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the BNS and IT Act has been registered against unidentified suspects, and further investigation is underway.”

Authorities are currently tracking the digital trail of the transactions and communications to identify the perpetrators. Telegram accounts used by the fraudsters are being monitored as part of the investigation.

How Such Scams Work

Experts say that fraudsters often target parents who aspire to make their children models or actors. They promise fame, scholarships, or investment opportunities but craft elaborate schemes to extract large sums of money.

By insisting on multiple “merchant tasks” or financial steps, they create a sense of urgency and fear, which pushes victims to comply. Often, victims are asked to transfer money across several accounts, making tracing the funds more difficult.

In this case, the criminals combined technical know-how with emotional manipulation, exploiting a parent’s hopes for her child’s career to siphon off ₹32 lakh.

Warning Signs for Parents

Authorities warn parents to exercise extreme caution when contacted by strangers online, especially through messaging platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Some common red flags include:

• Requests for money upfront for modelling, acting, or training opportunities.

• Claims that multiple steps or “merchant tasks” must be completed to release funds.

• Pressure tactics creating fear that accounts or opportunities will be lost.

• Use of unverified platforms or insistence on transferring money to personal accounts rather than official agencies.

Parents are encouraged to verify agencies and opportunities through official websites or reputed contacts in the industry before transferring any money.

Legal Recourse and Awareness

Cybercrime laws in India, including the IT Act and relevant provisions of the Penal Code, provide mechanisms for victims to report such scams and initiate legal action. Police advise that immediate reporting increases the chances of tracing transactions and apprehending the criminals.

The Noida Cybercrime Branch has also urged citizens to be vigilant and spread awareness about such scams. Victims can approach local cybercrime cells or call helplines provided by the police for assistance.

Conclusion

The case of the Noida woman losing ₹32 lakh in a child modelling scam is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online platforms. While parents’ intentions are noble—aiming to nurture their children’s talents—fraudsters exploit these emotions for financial gain.

Authorities emphasize vigilance, verification, and cautious engagement with online opportunities. As the investigation into this incident continues, it is hoped that the culprits will be identified and brought to justice.

In the meantime, parents are advised to educate themselves about cyber fraud, verify every offer carefully, and avoid rushing into financial transactions based on promises made online. Cybersecurity, combined with awareness, remains the most effective defense against such scams.