Online maid scam: Couple loses Rs 30,000 in search for domestic help in Bengaluru

A couple residing in Kumbalagodu, Bengaluru, has fallen victim to an online scam while searching for a domestic helper. Rashmi, a sales manager, and her husband Anoop, a private college professor, were looking for a helper to care for their one-and-a-half-year-old child. They turned to the Samiksha Maid Service app, where a man named Sachin introduced them to a woman named Bimala, sending her profile to Rashmi’s phone.

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After reviewing the profile, Rashmi and Anoop decided to hire Bimala for household work. Sachin demanded an advance payment of Rs 48,000, equivalent to three months' salary at Rs 16,000 per month. The couple negotiated and agreed to pay Rs 30,000 in advance. Bimala arrived at their apartment to begin work but left shortly afterward, saying she was going to look around the building. Shockingly, within 30 minutes, she disappeared and could not be contacted.

The couple was left reeling, not only due to the monetary loss but also with fears of a potential break-in or kidnapping. The incident occurred while Rashmi was alone at home with the child, heightening their distress. Concerned for their safety, Rashmi lodged a complaint at the Kumbalagodu police station.

The police have initiated an investigation into the incident. This case highlights the risks associated with hiring domestic help through online platforms and the need for thorough verification before finalizing such arrangements. Public concerns are growing about the safety of online maid services and the possibility of falling prey to scams.