<p>Online fraudsters seem to be targeting every business. A businessman looking to open a fuel station in the city says he lost Rs 2.28 lakh after contacting fraudsters masquerading as representatives of a petroleum company. </p>.<p>Cholurpalya resident Padmanabh, 54, looked up on the internet to know the necessary procedures for petroleum dealership. He found an e-mail ID that resembled that of a well-known petroleum company. In the first week of September, he wrote an e-mail, enquiring about the dealership, and filled up an application form. </p>.<p>To his surprise, he quickly received a reply that he meets the eligibility criteria and that his application has been approved. This was followed up by a phone call, from a person who introduced himself as Bikas Kumar. Padmanabh was asked to pay Rs 2.28 lakh as registration and agreement charges. He transferred the money to a bank account. That was the last time he heard from them as they stopped responding to his e-mails and phone calls. </p>.<p>Suspecting something fishy, Padmanabh contacted the petroleum company and enquired about the status of his application. He was stunned to learn that he had never contacted the genuine company. </p>.<p>Padmanabh has filed a complaint with the West CEN police, naming Bikas Kumar and others. An investigation is underway. </p>
<p>Online fraudsters seem to be targeting every business. A businessman looking to open a fuel station in the city says he lost Rs 2.28 lakh after contacting fraudsters masquerading as representatives of a petroleum company. </p>.<p>Cholurpalya resident Padmanabh, 54, looked up on the internet to know the necessary procedures for petroleum dealership. He found an e-mail ID that resembled that of a well-known petroleum company. In the first week of September, he wrote an e-mail, enquiring about the dealership, and filled up an application form. </p>.<p>To his surprise, he quickly received a reply that he meets the eligibility criteria and that his application has been approved. This was followed up by a phone call, from a person who introduced himself as Bikas Kumar. Padmanabh was asked to pay Rs 2.28 lakh as registration and agreement charges. He transferred the money to a bank account. That was the last time he heard from them as they stopped responding to his e-mails and phone calls. </p>.<p>Suspecting something fishy, Padmanabh contacted the petroleum company and enquired about the status of his application. He was stunned to learn that he had never contacted the genuine company. </p>.<p>Padmanabh has filed a complaint with the West CEN police, naming Bikas Kumar and others. An investigation is underway. </p>
