A collegian lost Rs 2.74 lakh to cyber fraudsters after he clicked on a link that offered obscene photographs and video calls on Instagram, a Mumbai police official said on Friday.

The link was offering adult services for Rs 2,000, which the Bhandup-based victim clicked, the official said.

“He ended up paying Rs 4,999 under various pretexts. When he refused to transfer more money, he received a threatening phone call from a new number. The caller identified himself as Ravindra Singh and claimed to be an officer of Uttar Pradesh police. He accused the victim of sexually harassing a girl,” the official said.

“Out of fear, the collegian transferred Rs 2.74 lakh. However, he later realised he had been cheated. On his complaint, a case was registered against an unidentified person. Further probe is underway,” the Bhandup police station official said.