Duped on the name of Patanjali

Duped on the name of Patanjali

Once Shubha’s father was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), she had plans to get her father Ayurvedic treatment. She didn’t want him to go through tedious dialysis process for life.

Shubha left an enquiry on https://patanjaliwellness.com for her father’s treatment in Dec’23. In no time, she got a call from 6261568491.  It's a mystery, how someone could get her number if she has dropped an online enquiry in Patanjali's website. The person identified himself as Dr. Vijay Pratap Singh. As directed, she submitted her father’s medical reports to him. He discussed the case pretending to be a real doctor. He confirmed that the treatment is possible and mentioned that the yoga center has dialysis facility as well. He kept on following her on the phone.

In Truecaller App, the number appears to be Patanjali's. See the picture below, it shows as Patanjali Ayurved Pvt. Ltd. or Patanjali Haridwar booking center These fraudsters have saved all their numbers with Patanjali's name and have more than 10 fake websites. Also, they have provided all the booking details with the backdrop of Patanjali.

Later, when Shubha decided to book rooms for her parents in Feb’24, yet another doctor emerged - Dr. Nitin Gupta. He gathered the Adhaar card details for online booking registrations. He gave 20% discount on fast booking and suggested 40% cashback option if Rs. 100,000 is deposited. Shubha bargained if that’s the case then why can’t you reduce 40% upfront. Finally, for 15 days treatment for 2, he demanded Rs. 48,000. Hesitantly, she paid Rs. 48,000 to avail an early discount. She asked for office Identity (ID) Card instead the fraudster shared some identity card which by no means can be confirmed as his. Not sure, if he is using some other patent's ID card for duping needy people.

After looting this amount, the frauds wanted more. They started saying that the booking can be confirmed only if she pays INR 36000 more, and they can make the booking for 20 days. This time, Shubha’s mother cautioned her to not to pay. Shubha gave in thinking that what if the confirmation doesn’t happen. The entire exercise will go in vain. She wanted to get her father cured at any cost.

Post payment, the fraudster shared booking details with lots of errors. The document had spelling mistakes and the booking date was 13-11-23 to 1-4-23. This made her doubt the entire thing. Still, she kept calm and requested the correct copy. Now, they were delaying in giving the correct booking copy on the pretext of weekend.

Post payment, the fraudster shared booking details with lots of errors. The document had spelling mistakes and the booking date was 13-11-23 to 1-4-23. This made her doubt the entire thing. Still, she kept calm and requested the correct copy. Now, they were delaying in giving the correct booking copy on the pretext of weekend.

After extorting Rs. 48300 + Rs. 36000, he was demanding Rs. 35600 as doctor fees in advance. 

In the meantime, we checked on the website and found customer care number. After discussing, we got to know that the patient or aid needs to register online themselves for booking. It is not mandatory to pay beforehand. The payment can be made at the wellness center in person as well. There is no Dialysis facility in the campus. The standard charge for a couple is Rs. 6500 per day with medical charges extra. If the aid/helping person chooses to stay with them, for 3 people Rs. 9500 per day is to be paid. It is mandatory to book for 7 days minimum.

Shubha asked for a refund. But they denied and asked to collect it in person at the center. In parallel, the case was lodged in cybercrime on 11th March'24. It is 22nd March'24 now. She hasn't received the FIR copy yet. Without that the banks can't take further action. The banks couldn’t retrieve the money. The fraudsters are still using the same number to trap people. Don’t know whose personal identity cards they are using for duping people.

It didn't stop. Shubha was getting calls from the same number again and again. Helpless and heartbroken, she didn't want to talk. She knew very well that even yelling at them will be a sheer wastage.

These frauds stooped further with a fake helpline number for problem solving. It seems to be a well-planned cartel for duping on the name of Patanjali. Don't know how many people are involved with multiple fake IDs and numbers.

These fraudsters are so immoral and heartless. They are duping families of sick people when they are emotionally weak and extremely busy with routine work. As a friend, my heart bleeds.

Highly appreciate if anyone could help in anyway in nabbing the fraudsters.

-          Saranya