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Cybercriminals allegedly changed the contact number of a popular sweet shop in Pune’s online business listing and cheated several customers by collecting advance payments for orders that were never delivered.
The fraud took place between October 23 and November 6, prompting the shop’s management to approach the police.
A 37-year-old personal secretary to the owner of the sweet shop chain discovered the fraud after visiting its Bajirao Road branch. A complaint was subsequently registered with Vishrambaug police.
How Did Fraudsters Change the Shop’s Contact Number?
According to Senior Police Inspector Navnath Jagtap of Vishrambaug police station, the sweet shop had published its landline number online to help customers contact the establishment and place orders. However, unidentified cybercriminals allegedly replaced the shop’s official landline number with their own mobile number on its online profile.
Consequently, customers searching for the shop’s contact details were directed to the fraudsters instead of the genuine business.
How Were Customers Tricked Into Paying?
The fraudsters allegedly took advantage of the shop’s established reputation to convince customers that they were speaking with authorised representatives.
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When customers called the number displayed online, the suspects accepted their orders and demanded advance payments.
Believing they were dealing with the sweet shop, several customers transferred money to the fraudsters. The promised orders, however, were never delivered.
What Happened After Customers Paid?
According to police, customers waited for their purchases after making advance payments, but the goods never arrived.
The cybercriminals allegedly stopped responding and blocked the customers after receiving the money.
The victims were left without their orders or any response from the individuals who had collected their payments.
How Was the Fraud Discovered?
The incident came to light after several customers began demanding updates about orders they had already paid for.
The shop’s personal secretary subsequently discovered that its official contact information had been altered online. Following the discovery, the secretary filed a complaint with Vishrambaug police on Friday.
What Has the Police Investigation Revealed?
Police are investigating how the fraudsters changed the shop’s online contact number and collected payments from unsuspecting customers.
Inspector Jagtap said the exact number of affected customers remains unknown. The total financial loss has also not been established.
The420 Insight: How Can Customers Avoid Such Fraud?
The case highlights the risks of relying solely on contact numbers displayed in online business listings.
Customers should verify a shop’s contact details through its official website or other trusted channels before making advance payments. Any unexpected payment request should be independently confirmed with the business to avoid falling victim to impersonation fraud.
