Police in Kolkata have apprehended 17 individuals involved in a cyber fraud scheme exploiting the Cash on Delivery mode commonly used for online purchases. The arrests, including nine women, were made by the Cyber Police department after raiding a call center in Gariahat. Authorities confiscated 43 mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, and wireless devices during the operation.
Law enforcement officials cautioned against making online payments before receiving ordered goods through Cash on Delivery. They highlighted that payment should only be made upon the actual receipt of the products. Despite the usual practice of paying upon delivery, scammers have been manipulating this system, deceiving buyers into sending money prematurely and subsequently failing to deliver the purchased items.
The fraudsters reportedly obtain digital information to identify Cash on Delivery orders on various online platforms. They then contact the buyers before the legitimate seller can deliver the goods, persuading them to make payments via QR codes under false pretenses. Victims who fall for this ploy end up losing their money without receiving the products they paid for.
In a typical scenario, victims realize they have been scammed when the actual delivery personnel arrive, revealing that the initial payment recipient was not an authorized agent. This emerging form of online fraud has led to multiple complaints, prompting the police to take action and arrest the culprits involved in the fraudulent activities.
