A 27-year-old businessman from Hyderabad landed in a ₹1.41 lakh fraud in a case of excess delivery.
The victim received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number with photographs of dry fruits along and an offer to sell them at exceptionally low prices.
As the victim owns a dry fruit shop in Hyderabad, he was interested in the deal and proceeded to place an order for 250 kilograms of cashew nuts.
The fraudster then sent a bill for the payment, and the victim transferred ₹1.41 lakh in accordance with the invoice. However, instead of dispatching the agreed quantity, the scammer sent 900 kilograms of cashew. He then demanded payment for the additional stock, threatening to withhold the original order unless the victim complied. The victim lodged a complaint with the cybercrime unit of Hyderabad police.
Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens against unsolicited WhatsApp messages showcasing attractive deals, complete with images and significantly discounted rates.
They advised verifying a seller’s credentials, checking business registrations, and reviewing their track record before making any payments. Cash-on-delivery or secure payment methods through verified platforms are recommended for added security. Customers are also encouraged to purchase only from reputable vendors with a history of reliable service as fraudsters often use random numbers to contact potential victims.
Published – February 08, 2025 08:21 pm IST