A 22-year-old man from Rajasthan has been arrested for allegedly running an online fraud operation in which people across 19 states were lured with unusually cheap mobile spare parts and accessories.
Police identified the accused as Prakash Kumar, a resident of Jalore, Rajasthan. Investigators allege that around 140 people were targeted through social media, with reported losses exceeding ₹5.30 crore.
Police recovered two mobile phones and ₹1 lakh in cash from him.
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Fake Supplier Offered Mobile Parts Below Market Price
The case came to light after a mobile shop owner from Ichoda mandal approached the police.
The shopkeeper was looking for chargers, displays and other mobile accessories when he came across a social media account offering the products at prices significantly below the prevailing market rate.
The person operating the account allegedly introduced himself as a supplier and assured the shopkeeper that the goods would be sent through courier after an advance payment.
Trusting the offer, the shopkeeper made several payments between July 25 and August 8 to bank accounts provided by the alleged supplier. He eventually transferred ₹2.18 lakh.
After receiving the money, the accused allegedly sent a courier receipt through an instant messaging application and claimed that the order had been dispatched.
Courier Receipt Was Allegedly Fake
The shopkeeper was later told that his parcel had reached a courier office and could be collected.
On August 22, he visited courier offices in Ichoda and Adilabad but reportedly found that no parcel had been booked in his name.
When the alleged supplier failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, the shopkeeper realised that he had been cheated.
He reported the matter through the cybercrime helpline 1930. Ichoda Police subsequently registered a case and began tracing the digital and financial trail.
Investigators examined bank transactions, mobile numbers and other digital evidence linked to the payments. This eventually led police to identify Prakash Kumar, who was arrested in Rajasthan.
Same Method Allegedly Used Across 19 States
Further investigation allegedly revealed that the mobile accessories offer was not limited to a single victim.
Police have so far identified around 140 victims across 19 states. The total reported financial loss has crossed ₹5.30 crore, according to investigators.
Police are now examining the social media accounts, mobile numbers and bank accounts allegedly used in the operation.
The two mobile phones recovered from Kumar are also being examined for additional evidence, including details of other victims and possible associates.
Investigators are also trying to establish whether Kumar was operating the fraud alone or whether the operation involved a larger network.
Why Cheap Wholesale Deals Can Become a Fraud Trap
Online fraudsters can exploit the pressure faced by small traders to source goods at competitive prices.
An offer that is substantially cheaper than the normal market rate can make a buyer overlook basic verification. Once an advance payment is made, fake invoices, courier receipts or shipment updates can then be used to maintain the impression that the order is on its way.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh has cautioned traders and small business owners to independently verify an online seller before making advance payments.
A social media profile, attractive wholesale price or courier receipt should not by itself be treated as proof that a supplier is genuine. Buyers should verify the seller’s business identity, physical address, contact details and bank account before transferring money.
Police have also advised people to be cautious when an unknown seller offers products at prices far below the prevailing market rate or pressures them to make an immediate payment.
The investigation into Kumar’s financial and digital network is continuing. Police are now working to trace the suspected fraud proceeds, identify other people who may have been involved and determine whether additional victims are linked to the operation.
What this means for you: An unusually cheap deal from an unknown online supplier can quickly become expensive. Verify the seller’s business identity and bank details before making an advance payment, and report financial cyber fraud immediately on 1930.
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