Fake Customer Care Scam Busted in Mohanpur, Cyber Fraudster Arrested

Accused allegedly posed as customer care executive of online platforms and payment services; mobile phones and SIM cards seized

Deoghar: In a major crackdown on cyber crime, Deoghar Police arrested a suspected cyber fraudster from Mohanpur police station area for allegedly duping people by posing as a customer care representative of online shopping and digital payment platforms.Acting on the directions of Superintendent of Police Praveen Pushkar, a special operation was conducted on June 24 under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police Kailash Prasad Mahato. Based on a tip-off, a police team carried out a raid near Baijandih village in Mohanpur, where a suspect was reportedly operating cyber fraud activities.During the raid, police arrested Pappu Kumar Rai, around 24 years old, a resident of Telbhanga Budhiyari village under Mohanpur police station limits. Preliminary examination of the seized mobile phones and SIM cards revealed his alleged involvement in cyber fraud.

Used Fake Customer Care Identities to Target Victims

According to investigators, the accused allegedly impersonated customer care executives of Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm and lured people with promises of cashback offers. He would then obtain sensitive information and carry out fraudulent transactions.Police said he also sent malicious APK files disguised as PM Kisan Yojana, electricity bill and RTO challan applications to gain access to victims' mobile devices. In another modus operandi, he allegedly posed as an Airtel Payment Bank official and misled customers by offering assistance related to banking services through the Airtel Thanks App.

Mobile Phones and SIM Cards Recovered

Police recovered two mobile phones and two SIM cards from the accused. Investigators are examining the digital evidence to identify possible links with other cyber criminals and determine the extent of the fraud network.The raid was conducted by a team led by Cyber Police Station officer Ajay Kumar, along with Mohanpur police station in-charge Salo Hembrom and armed police personnel.Police have urged the public to remain cautious while dealing with unknown callers, customer care numbers found online and suspicious links or mobile applications, and to report any suspected cyber fraud immediately.

Advertisement