Cyber fraudsters posing as representatives of a leading steel company cheated a BSF sub-inspector of ₹3.12 lakh in an online sariya purchase scam. Using a fake proforma invoice and delivery assurances, the accused obtained payments through RTGS and later UPI before cutting off contact. An FIR has been registered at Majhola police station under IT Act and cheating charges, and a financial trail probe is underway.
The victim, Sudesh Kumar, a native of Barkhera Mahmoodpur Mafi village in Bilari and currently residing in Buddhivihar Sector-7, Moradabad, is posted as SI (stenographer) at BSF Tigri Camp, New Delhi. On January 14, he searched online for steel reinforcement bars and soon received a call from a man identifying himself as “Sudhir Sharma,” a sales executive from Tata Steel’s Ghaziabad unit.
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Fake invoice built credibility
The caller sent a proforma invoice via WhatsApp that appeared authentic. Relying on the document, Sudesh Kumar transferred ₹2,09,970 through RTGS from a Delhi Road bank branch the same day. The caller assured him that the material would be dispatched by night, but no delivery was made.
Additional payments extracted via UPI
The fraudster then cited additional charges and persuaded the officer to transfer ₹1,02,700 in three instalments via UPI using PhonePe and another payment app. The funds were routed to bank accounts in the names of Arun Kumar and Indrajeet.
On January 17, the caller claimed that a truck carrying the steel had left Ghaziabad and would reach shortly. When the consignment failed to arrive and repeated calls went unanswered, the victim realised he had been cheated.
Police tracing bank accounts and mobile numbers
Following the written complaint, Majhola police registered a case and began examining the transaction trail, beneficiary bank accounts, mobile numbers and UPI IDs. Steps have been initiated to freeze the recipient accounts to prevent further withdrawals. Investigators are also analysing whether the fraud is linked to a larger organised cybercrime network.
Modus operandi targets bulk buyers
Officials said such gangs typically impersonate reputed companies, circulate fake invoices, and demand advance payments from individuals seeking bulk materials like steel, electronics or construction supplies. Fraudsters often place fake contact numbers on search engines to intercept genuine purchase enquiries.
Police advisory
Police have advised the public to verify sellers only through official company websites, avoid advance payments to unknown accounts, and cross-check GST details, registration credentials and bank information before making high-value transfers. Proforma invoices should be validated through official company email IDs or helplines.
The case highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting even government personnel and educated buyers by exploiting brand trust, forged documents and urgency tactics. Police said efforts are on to identify and arrest the accused and to recover the defrauded amount.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
