A woman has allegedly lost Rs 1,299.20 in a WhatsApp-based business opportunity scam, prompting her family to approach payment service providers and cybercrime authorities for assistance.
According to a complaint shared by Shankar Shastri on X, his mother made two UPI payments of Rs 700 and Rs 599.20 on 31 October 2026 after being promised an online order and franchise opportunity. However, the promised service was allegedly not delivered.
The payments were made through Paytm UPI, with Bangalore City Co-operative Bank mentioned in the banking details shared by the complainant.
Shastri said a complaint had already been registered through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930. He subsequently approached Paytm, seeking assistance in tracing the beneficiary and recovering the disputed amount.
In its response, Paytm advised him to register a cybercrime complaint and raise a chargeback request with Bangalore City Co-operative Bank. It also recommended remaining in contact with the bank and cybercrime authorities for further assistance.
Paytm further stated that the matter was pending with WhatsApp Pay, the payment service provider (PSP), and advised the complainant to coordinate with the PSP or the bank for quicker assistance.
The complainant has sought coordinated action to trace the beneficiary and recover the disputed amount.
