Speak up if victim of a crime, so others can be saved

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The Bandra police filed a case against an authorised dealer of bikes for fraudulent activities against more than 10 customers. The dealership abruptly closed its doors and owners absconded with Rs 20 lakh without delivering the purchased bikes. Meanwhile, customers were given various excuses, including damage to the ordered bikes in the showroom and the owner being hospitalised, before the dealership ceased operations.

The individuals running the authorised showroom have been identified and booked by the Bandra police, who suspect this is a huge scam and have urged victims to come forward.

The showroom shut its doors in mid-July, after which they saw a surge of complaints at the Bandra police station. There must be quick action to nab these offenders and money returned to those who had paid up. It is also wise to pay only a booking amount after which the payment can be made in full at the time of vehicle delivery. These are smooth conmen who know how to win people's trust and then there is a pattern to the deception.

Even when talking to these dealers, if you sense a red flag or your intuition tells you that something is not quite right, it is time to listen to that and scotch the deal. Having said that, con artistes have an art of duping people and so earn the label artistes. We do not blame the victims but simply highlight some cautionary measures.

Also read: Better safe than sorry when dealing with online entities

Meanwhile, those who have been similarly fooled need to take complaints to the police station. Too often, we see one entity become the complainant as others are fearful or think that let the others do the running around. If more people speak up and complain, there is greater chance of nabbing the accused and seeing there is punitive action.