A 27-year-old man from Kharar has been arrested by cyber police for allegedly cheating a buyer of ₹5 lakh through a fraudulent listing on OLX, a popular online marketplace. The suspect reportedly impersonated an Indian Army official to gain the trust of the victim and manipulate the online transaction.
According to police officials, the victim was searching for a second-hand SUV on OLX when he came across an attractive offer from a seller claiming to be a defence personnel stationed outside Punjab. The fraudster used army insignia, and fake identity proofs, and claimed urgency due to a “military posting transfer” to push the victim into making a quick payment.
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Impersonation and Digital Deceit
The complainant, believing the story, transferred a total of ₹5 lakh in multiple bank transactions as part of the “vehicle shipping and document clearance” fees. Once the payment was made, the seller became unresponsive, prompting the victim to file a complaint with the cyber crime wing.
A detailed investigation led the police to the accused in Kharar, from where the fraud was orchestrated using SIM cards and accounts registered under false identities. Authorities have recovered digital evidence including mobile phones, fake army ID cards, and bank details.
Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, who led the operation, said, “The accused targeted buyers with emotional appeals and uniformed credibility. We are investigating if he’s linked to a wider network of online fraud.”
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This case highlights the increasing use of identity fraud and impersonation in cybercrime, particularly on unregulated platforms. OLX and similar portals have become common hunting grounds for scammers, prompting calls for more stringent verification mechanisms and user awareness campaigns.
Police have reiterated the need for buyers to verify seller credentials, avoid advance payments, and conduct transactions in person whenever possible.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.