Local entrepreneur from Shikaripura loses Rs 64 lakh to 'Zudio franchise' scammers

What seemed like a business breakthrough was an elaborate con, a carefully constructed fraud

- MARX TEJASWI @Shivamogga

IT seemed like a perfect chance for a 25-year-old local entrepreneur from Shikaripura taluk to join hands with one of India's fastest-growing retail chains when a Google Form appeared online after he was searching for an opportunity for a Zudio franchise. But what followed was a sophisticated online fraud operation that left a man from the city devastated and poorer by nearly Rs 65 lakh.

It all began in late February, when the complainant came across a link inviting applications for Zudio franchises. The form, complete with a professional tone and what appeared to be branding from the Tata Group-backed fashion chain, asked for basic details. The complainant, who had long aspired to start a retail venture, filled in his information and submitted the form.

Two days later, on February 27, he received a call from an unfamiliar number. The caller claimed to represent Zudio and said that the company had sent application forms and further instructions to the complainant's email.