Acting on multiple complaints, authorities have uncovered a cyber fraud network that misused the cash on delivery system to target online shoppers.
Kolkata Police have arrested 17 people, including 9 women, in connection with a cyber fraud racket. The arrests were made after a raid at a call centre in Gariahat by the cyber police department during an ongoing investigation.
Call centre used to run fraud operation
Police said the racket operated through a call centre, where fraudsters contacted buyers who had placed orders using cash on delivery. During the searches, officials seized 43 mobile phones along with SIM cards, laptops, and wireless phones.
The investigation began after several complaints about a new type of online fraud targeting cash on delivery users.
How the fraud was carried out
According to police, the accused accessed digital information to identify customers who had placed COD orders on different online platforms. Before the actual delivery, they contacted buyers and asked for payment through a QR code or phone number on various pretexts.
Many victims believed they were dealing with delivery agents and transferred money in advance. The fraud came to light only when the genuine delivery staff arrived later and the buyers realised that the earlier payment had been made to someone else.
Police caution buyers
A police official advised that payments for cash on delivery orders should only be made after receiving the product. Officials warned that sending money through QR codes or phone numbers before delivery increases the risk of fraud.
Police said this method has turned the cash on delivery system into a tool for deception. In such cases, the fraudsters never deliver the goods, and victims realise the scam only when the actual delivery process begins. The investigation is ongoing.
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