A woman identified as Farida has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a jewellery store in Shirva, uncovering a string of similar crimes across Mangaluru and nearby regions. According to police, Farida, who hails from Kuppepadavu near Edapadavu, used multiple aliases to target jewellery shops in Bajpe, Moodbidri, and Kavoor. Investigations revealed she carried out elaborate scams by forging documents, issuing fake cheques, and using counterfeit payment slips to purchase gold ornaments. Farida’s fraudulent activities date back years. In Bajpe, she swindled a jeweller in Kaikamba out of jewellery worth ₹7.3 lakh in 2020. She was arrested and later released on bail, but continued to operate similar cons. In Moodbidri, she defrauded another store of gold worth ₹30 lakh. Police eventually recovered jewellery valued at ₹12 lakh linked to both cases. In a more recent incident in Kavoor, she posed as a customer organizing a baby naming ceremony. She placed an order via WhatsApp, sent a forged payment slip for ₹1.36 lakh, and arranged for someone to collect the jewellery. When the payment never arrived, the store owner lodged a complaint. Investigators suspect Farida’s husband, father, brother, and aunt assisted her. She allegedly moved around in rented luxury vehicles to appear credible. The cases have been consolidated under the CEN station, and charge sheets have been filed. Trials are ongoing, with police urging businesses to remain vigilant.