Cyber fraudsters allegedly cheated a footwear trader of ₹50 lakh by offering a bogus herbal seeds supply deal promising hefty returns. A case has been registered at the cyber crime police station and digital evidence is being analysed to trace the accused.
According to the complaint, the trader, Amit Kumar, who runs a footwear business in the city’s shoe market, received a phone call on February 7 from a person claiming to represent a Nagaland-based company dealing in herbal seeds. The caller offered a large consignment at a discounted rate and projected the proposal as a high-profit venture.
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Subsequently, two individuals identifying themselves as Sumit and Lakshmi contacted the trader and finalised a deal for the supply of 100 kg of herbal seeds worth nearly ₹5 crore. They demanded 10% as token money to process the order and assured quick delivery.
Believing the proposal to be genuine, the trader transferred about ₹45 lakh through RTGS from multiple bank accounts belonging to himself, his wife and his father. He also deposited ₹5 lakh in cash as part of the advance payment. After receiving the money, the accused allegedly began demanding additional funds and refused to dispatch the goods.
When the promised consignment failed to arrive and the callers stopped responding, the victim realised he had been duped and approached the police.
Cyber police officials said bank transaction details, call records and other digital trails are being examined. Efforts are underway to identify the mule accounts used to receive the funds and locate the suspects.
Investigators suspect the fraudsters used forged business identities and disposable mobile numbers to execute the scam. They are also analysing whether similar complaints are linked to the same network operating across states.
Police have advised traders to verify suppliers through official registrations, GST records and physical checks before making large advance payments, especially in high-value inter-state deals.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
