PRAYAGRAJ, May 25 -- As soaring temperatures drive people to shop for air conditioners, coolers and refrigerators, cyber fraudsters are cashing in on the summer rush with fake social media advertisements promising massive discounts. The deceptive offers have already duped several residents, with three people in the city collectively losing nearly Rs.1.55 lakh. Cyber Police have now issued a warning, urging citizens to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links and online advertisements.

In one such incident in Kalindipuram, Nirmala Singh fell victim to cyber fraud after she came across a Facebook advertisement offering a 40% discount on an air conditioner from a reputed brand. On clicking the ad, she was redirected to an online...