Ludhiana Resident Duped of Rs 20.77 Lakh While Trying to Open Domino’s Franchise

Fraudsters posed as Domino’s representatives, demanding an upfront payment, leading to a significant financial loss for the victim.

June 26, 2024

A 48-year-old Ludhiana resident fell victim to a cyber scam while attempting to start a Domino’s franchise, losing Rs 20.77 lakh to fraudsters who posed as representatives of the pizza chain.

Not everything on the internet is safe, and it is always advised to cross-check all information before moving forward. Unfortunately, this cautionary advice came too late for Tarsem Singh, who experienced a significant financial loss in his quest to open a Domino’s Pizza franchise. Singh, eager to start his own franchise, conducted an online search for opportunities. During his search, he stumbled upon a website that appeared to be an official portal for Domino’s franchises. Convinced by the website’s professional appearance, he decided to proceed with his application.

Shortly after submitting his details online, Singh received a phone call from a man claiming to be an official representative of Domino’s. The caller spoke professionally and provided convincing information about the franchise process. He informed Singh that an initial payment of Rs 20.77 lakh was required to secure the franchise rights. Trusting the legitimacy of the process, Singh agreed to the terms and made the payment through a series of transactions. However, once the payment was completed, communication from the so-called representative ceased abruptly. Singh attempted to contact the individual but was unable to, and eventually realised he had been scammed.

Realising he had been duped, Singh promptly filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime police station in Ludhiana. Investigating officer stated that a case has been registered and that the investigation is ongoing.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the rising trend of online fraud, where unsuspecting individuals are lured into traps set by cybercriminals under the pretext of business opportunities. While the online space offers convenience and opportunities, it also poses significant risks, especially when it comes to financial dealings.

To safeguard against such scams, here are some precautionary measures:

Verify Legitimacy: Before making any payments, always verify the legitimacy of the business. Contact official customer service numbers and cross-check information through multiple sources.

Be Wary of Upfront Payments: Be cautious of requests for large upfront payments. Genuine businesses typically have transparent processes and provide several pieces of documentation before any financial commitments.

Check Website Security: Ensure that the website you are dealing with is secure. Look for “https” in the URL and check for official contact information.

Seek Advice: If in doubt, seek advice from financial advisors or legal experts before proceeding with substantial transactions.