A stranger has been watching you while you’re out minding your business in a public space. They approach you, saying they noticed you seem to be facing physical discomfort, and perhaps they are right. They then tell you about a “cure-all” natural healing oil that could be the solution to your ailments. The process of procuring the oil is simple, but not so much when it ends up targeting your pocket.
Scammers aren’t only sitting behind their devices to dupe you, but can also approach you as an impostor with offers/deals or cures that may intrigue you.
We examine a re-emerging fraud where victims have reportedly been trapped in miracle remedy offers, which were followed by hefty bills and subsequent snub by the scammer.
Modus Operandi
Initial Contact: A stranger initiates a conversation with you in a public place. In reported instances, scammers approached their victims outside health clinics or hospitals. They inquire about your ailment and suggest a special herbal oil mixture that supposedly cured someone they know.
Ingredients Required: They provide you with a list of general items needed to prepare the oil and insist on visiting your home to supervise the preparation.
Home Visit: The scammer visits your house to help with the mixture. Afterwards, they mention a “special” ingredient needed for the oil to work. They ask you to accompany them to a store or suggest that they will order it over the phone.
Financial Dent: They charge an exorbitant rate for the “special” ingredient and are likely to increase the cost of their service as well. In some cases, the scammers disappeared after victims who paid for the oil tried to contact them to complain about no visible results for their ailments.
Red Flags
Strangers offering a miracle cure or other unsolicited offers that guarantee 100% relief for health issues.
They are pressuring you to buy “special” ingredients which only they can provide, without which, they allege, the cure would be futile.
Demanding a large sum of money without mentioning any costs initially.
What To Do
Say ‘No’ Firmly: Walk away from such offers immediately and share the incident with others so they don’t fall for it. The more people know, the safer everyone is.
Consult Professionals: Visit licensed doctors to discuss your ailments and the required treatment. It is necessary to verify their credentials and get a proper prescription.
Decline Payments: Never give cash or banking details to someone you met on the street. Treatment fees should be paid through official channels and only after verifying the organisation.
Report: If you’ve been scammed, report the incident as soon as possible through a government portal such as Chakshu (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/) and the national cybercrime helpline number—1930. You can also lodge a complaint with the local police station.
The Quint's Scamguard initiative aims to keep up with emerging digital scams to help you stay informed and vigilant. If you've been scammed or successfully thwarted one, then tell us your story. Contact us via WhatsApp at +919999008335 or email us at myreport@thequint.com. You can also fill out the Google form and help us take your story forward.
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