10/09/2025
Shiv and his wife, Gauri, had left behind their stable corporate careers to chase a shared dream — building a premium brand in corporate gifts and perfumes, something elegant and ethical that could set new benchmarks in the industry.
One fine morning, an email dropped into their inbox. A so‑called “ ” from a Dubai-based accelerator claimed she had spotted their brand through an “emerging founders’ program.” The timing felt perfect, almost cinematic. Just days later, an Insta advertisement appeared on their feeds, inviting founders like them to a curated pitch session. The details sounded promising —Participation fee: ₹29,000 per founder, framed as a “refundable curation fee.” Add-on offer: ₹199,000 for a “priority VC slot,” guaranteeing face time with investors.
Shiv and Gauri, hopeful yet cautious, decided to stretch their budget and signed up. But on pitch-day, reality looked nothing like the glossy promise. Only 20 founders turned up and not a single “listed VC” was present. The organizers scrambled through excuses—flight delays etc. Everyone was reassured, refunds would happen “shortly.” By noon, the 5-star venue buzzed with whispers: “scam,” “fraud,” “cheating.” By afternoon, chaos reigned.
The aftermath was brutal. Shiv felt betrayed. Gauri, who had convinced her own family about this venture, was heartbroken. But instead of staying in despair, they chose the braver road — to seek justice. When they approached the ODFC Cyber Helpdesk, it felt like a lifeline. To their surprise, the wasn’t just another complaint portal. It was a continuum of cyber and legal escalation - an instant helpdesk, step-by-step support, and district-level services across India.
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