Navsari: Vansda police are investigating a fraud case in which a resident of Rupvel village was cheated of Rs. 58,497 after falling prey to an Instagram ad selling furniture.

According to the complaint, Hasmukhbhai Vishrambhai Patel (44), residing in Rupvel Mahudi Phaliyu, became a victim of an online scam between August 31 and September 3, 2025. An unknown fraudster, using the Instagram ID furnitureluxury_1, posted a video ad promising a sofa worth Rs. 19,999 for just Rs. 9,999, along with a WhatsApp contact for orders.

Patel’s daughter, tempted by the offer, placed an order for the sofa. The scammers first sent a QR code to Patel’s WhatsApp, seeking a UPI payment of Rs. 3,500. Later, an OTP sent to Patel’s mobile was shared with his daughter, which the fraudsters used to withdraw Rs. 54,997, bringing the total loss to Rs. 58,497.

Following the incident, Hasmukhbhai lodged a complaint at Vansda police station, which has registered the case and initiated further investigation. DeshGujarat