Hypnosis fears grow after Lahore rider loses Rs80,000 — could more citizens be targeted next?

LAHORE: A delivery rider in Lahore has reportedly lost around Rs80,000 after falling victim to what many online users are calling a sophisticated street scam disguised as a simple request for change.

According to circulating accounts, the rider was approached by unknown individuals in a luxury car who allegedly started a casual conversation and asked him for change for Rs1,000. During the interaction, the situation reportedly became confusing enough that the rider later realised a large amount of cash had gone missing. One man who steps down from the car can be seen getting the rider to hand over lots of money without any resistance at all.

The incident has quickly gained attention online, with many social media users linking it to a series of similar “hypnosis” or distraction-based scam claims that have surfaced in recent weeks.

Earlier this year, warning messages about alleged street scams involving strangers engaging victims in conversation also circulated widely on WhatsApp groups in Islamabad and other cities.

While there is no official confirmation regarding hypnosis claims, the Lahore incident has reignited public concern over distraction-based fraud targeting working individuals, particularly delivery riders and people carrying cash during daily work routines.

The case has also sparked discussion around the vulnerability of gig workers who regularly move through busy urban areas carrying money, phones, and customer orders throughout the day.

Authorities have been urged online to investigate the matter and raise public awareness regarding street-level scams that rely on confusion, manipulation, or psychological pressure rather than direct theft.

The incident serves as yet another reminder for citizens to remain cautious during roadside financial exchanges and avoid handling cash transactions with strangers in crowded public settings.