Woman Medical Officer Duped by Fake Doctor in Bhubaneswar

Incident Overview

Bhubaneswar: A female medical officer employed at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar has reportedly been defrauded of Rs 1.30 lakh by an individual impersonating a doctor. The accused was apprehended by the Mancheswar police under charges of cheating and criminal intimidation.

Details of the Fraud

According to reports, the suspect initiated contact with the woman through a matrimonial website, falsely claiming to be a doctor working in Pune. By fabricating a medical background, he successfully gained the trust of both the woman and her family, illustrating how professional credibility can be exploited in fraudulent schemes.

Financial Exploitation

After establishing a relationship based on this false identity, the accused requested financial assistance, alleging that he needed funds for the last rites of a friend’s mother. Trusting his narrative, the woman transferred Rs 1.30 lakh through three separate digital transactions. When she subsequently sought the return of her money, the accused allegedly threatened her with grave repercussions.

Investigation and Findings

Upon realizing she had been scammed, the woman filed a formal complaint at the Mancheswar police station, prompting an investigation. Authorities discovered that the accused lacks any recognized medical qualifications and is not a registered doctor. Additionally, it was revealed that multiple criminal cases have been filed against him in the past. Further inquiries are ongoing to assess whether he has employed similar deceptive tactics to target others, particularly by misusing the identity of a medical professional.

Broader Context of Cyber Frauds

This incident is part of a broader trend of cyber fraud. Previously, Medic Helpline reported on a case where a doctor based in Karnataka lost Rs 22 lakh to a sophisticated scam that promised substantial monetary rewards. In that instance, the fraud began when an individual claiming to be abroad contacted the doctor, offering a reward of 25 lakh US dollars in appreciation for his work.

Related Cases

Additionally, there have been reports of another case where a doctor in Kochi was defrauded of Rs 37 lakh in an NRI matrimonial fraud, resulting in the arrest of three individuals involved.