FRIENDSHIP CLUB FRAUDS- BEWARE

 By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

1st June 2011 issue-

                                    

                                              

                                              FRIENDSHIP CLUB FRAUDS- BEWARE

Beware is the watchword. Beware again. The cases of financial frauds are too many and one needs to be cautious before falling prey to inducing gimmicks of the fraudsters.

Mahesh (name changed to protect identity) works in a shop trying to lead an honest life. Like anybody else, he too desires to earn quick money and that’s where he landed in trouble. While having lunch one fine day he glanced at a news paper lying beside and was attracted by the classified ads. The advertisements read as Meet high profile social people, Models, businessmen etc, and earn attractive income between Rs. 25000/- to 40000/- by joining the Friendship club. Of course, Mahesh was awestruck. He picked up the paper and started calling them one after the other and was attracted particularly to one agency where a female on the other hand responded well to him.

As he enquired about the details he was told that he has to first register with their Friendship Club by paying Registration charges and then he will be called at a meeting place where he will be introduced to many high profile clients and he can make business with them. He was thus asked to deposit Rs. 4200/- as Registration charges and was given a Bank account number to deposit the same. Excited by the new high earning prospect, Mahesh arranged and deposited money in the given account number.

He called the agency again and updated them about the payment. He was then told that his application is processed but he needs to deposit another Rs. 10,000/- as Security Deposit which will be refunded when he is called for the first Meeting. Mahesh had no other option. He couldn’t let go his already deposited amount so he arranged another Rs. 10,000/- and deposited it in their account. He then called up the agency again and was told that he will be called soon for the meeting once it is arranged.

Well, he waited with all his zeal about the new venture but the call got delayed. He then himself called up but was again told that he will be called soon. Again after few days he called and now he grew suspicious as they repeated the same thing and later did not receive his calls. When he tried calling up from another number, the call was received but as he spoke, his voice was realized and the call was disconnected. When he frequently tried to call them from different numbers, the mobile was switched off.

He rushed to the Bank where he had deposited the money, but nothing can be done. The Bank Manager only assured him that on his complaint the Bank will freeze the account on suspicion of operating illegal business, but, that wouldn’t help Mahesh at all. He was done away with his hard earned money.

Usually such fraudsters operate from other states and even if one lodges a complaint, the process to nab the culprit is cumbersome. People are thus cautioned not to fall prey and not fall prey to the inducing advertisements. One needs to be very cautious particularly before making payments to any such offers.