The Surat Cyber Crime Cell apprehended a 32-year-old man for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent brick sale scheme on Facebook, connected to five fraud cases in Gujarat. The accused, identified as Narendrabhai alias Gyanprakash alias Shivam Saraswat, hails from Gangashahar in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district and was residing in Surat’s Godadara area. He enticed customers with promises of discounted wholesale brick prices through online advertisements and calls, leading to a financial loss of Rs 36,900 for one complainant.
The suspect, who had previously worked as a brick agent, exploited social media to deceive customers by posing as a brick seller named “Nishant Saxena.” Operating under the business name “Ozone Hardware,” he allegedly diverted payments meant for brick suppliers into different bank accounts, leaving both customers and manufacturers defrauded. The Cyber Crime Cell’s investigation revealed that the accused used fake identities, SIM cards, and online platforms to conceal his fraudulent activities, affecting multiple victims across various police stations in Gujarat.
Authorities disclosed that the accused, after incurring losses in a legitimate business venture, resorted to online scams for quick profits. By leveraging social media and false identities, he managed to dupe several individuals seeking to purchase construction materials. The police emphasized the importance of verifying sellers before engaging in online transactions and urged prompt reporting of any suspicious activities to combat cyber fraud effectively.
