Cybercriminals are exploiting the festive shopping season in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with two residents reportedly losing a combined ₹1,28,776 in separate online fraud cases involving a fake earning scheme and a fraudulent shopping transaction.
According to The Free Press Journal, police said fraudsters are targeting shoppers with attractive Diwali discounts, cashback deals and online earning opportunities. Fake websites, misleading social media advertisements and QR code payments are among the methods being used to deceive unsuspecting customers.
Additional DCP (Crime) Shailendra Singh Chauhan warned that scammers often create websites resembling legitimate shopping platforms and advertise products at unusually low prices to lure buyers.
In one case, Bajaria resident Krishna Gopal allegedly lost ₹97,177 after responding to a social media advertisement on September 26. A man identifying himself as Ravi Kumar Soni reportedly promised to help him set up an online seller account, offering a commission of ₹20,000 for every ₹1 lakh in business.
Gopal transferred the money through QR codes supplied by the suspect. He had reportedly raised the amount by pawning his mother’s jewellery. When he subsequently sought a refund, the accused allegedly stopped responding to his calls.
In a separate incident, Jageshwar, a 31-year-old resident of Habibganj, lost ₹31,599 while ordering a product online. After making the payment through a QR code provided by the seller, he found the website inaccessible, with the amount already deducted from his bank account.
Cyber Crime Branch officials have urged residents to purchase goods only through trusted platforms, check website addresses carefully and avoid clicking on unverified links shared on social media. They have also cautioned consumers against refund-related fraud involving screen-sharing applications.
Police advised shoppers to retain payment receipts and transaction screenshots and verify payment requests before transferring money, particularly during the festive rush.
