Sanjay Manjrekar targeted in financial scam, reveals fraudsters' demand

Former Team India cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently shared a story about a scam attempt he encountered with a fraudulent person on the internet. Manjrekar revealed that he received a WhatsApp message from someone posing as an acquaintance, asking for 25,000 Indian rupees.

Financial scams have increased in recent times, with even high-profile individuals falling victim to online fraud. WhatsApp has become a popular platform for such scams, where fraudsters often impersonate others to ask for financial help, either posing as acquaintances or even as relatives in need of money.

Got WhatsApp Msg from an Acquaintance Asking for 25K - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar revealed a scam attempt when he received a WhatsApp message from an acquaintance asking for 25K. Manjrekar humorously responded, offering to pay 2.5 lacs instead, which led to no further communication.

"Got WhatsApp msg from an acquaintance asking for 25K. Knew his no was hacked. So replied, how do you want me to pay, Gpay ok? Promptly a no was sent asking me to send a screenshot after payment. I replied, can I please pay you 2.5 lacs? No more messages after that," Manjrekar said on social media X (formerly known as Twitter).

Got WhatsApp msg from an acquaintance asking for 25K. Knew his no was hacked. So replied, how do you want me to pay, Gpay ok?
Promptly a no was sent asking me to send a screen shot after payment. I replied, can I please pay you 2.5 lacs? No more messages after that. 😁

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) February 11, 2025

Online Fraud on the Rise in Recent Years

A 2024 survey found that nearly 47% of Indians have faced financial fraud in the last three years, with UPI and credit card fraud being the most frequent. Over 23,000 respondents from 302 districts participated in the survey by LocalCircles, highlighting the growing risk of digital transactions in India.

More than half of the respondents reported unauthorized charges on their credit cards from both domestic and international merchants or websites. People need stronger security measures and consumer awareness campaigns to tackle financial fraud and protect themselves from falling victim to scams.

Sanjay Manjrekar's Performances in Domestic and International Cricket

Sanjay Manjrekar is now a well-known cricket pundit, and his blunt opinions often lead to a love-hate relationship with players and fans alike.

Manjrekar played 37 Tests and 74 ODIs for India, amassing 2,043 runs in Tests with four centuries, including a top score of 218. He scored 1,994 runs in ODIs, including one hundred and 15 fifties, with a highest score of 105.

He had a prolific first-class cricket career, even though his international stint fell short of expectations. Sanjay played 147 first-class matches, scoring 10,252 runs at an impressive average of 55.11. Manjrekar notched up 31 centuries and 46 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 377 in domestic cricket.

The 59-year-old isn't part of the commentary panel for the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and England. Rohit Sharma's India secured comfortable victories in the first two matches in Nagpur and Cuttack, respectively. The home team completed the series victory and took a 2-0 lead.

India will face Jos Buttler's team in the third and final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 12.

Also read: Watch: Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant obey kid’s demand during dinner table meeting, video goes viral