In a sophisticated online scam, a Hyderabad-based electrical supplies dealer was defrauded of a substantial sum of ₹3.7 lakh by criminals impersonating officials from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. The Cyberabad police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
How the Elaborate Scam Was Executed
The 43-year-old victim, who runs an electrical shop in Jagadgirigutta, first received a call on November 26. The caller introduced himself as Kunal Choudhary, an employee of the Air Force Academy. He claimed to have found the dealer's business on IndiaMart and expressed interest in purchasing electrical panel boards.
Following the call, the fraudster instructed the businessman to email a formal quotation to defence.army.department.india@gmail.com. To build credibility, the scammer later sent a forged purchase order that prominently featured the official logo of the Air Force Academy.
The Trap of Vendor Registration Fees
Once the dealer had prepared the ordered equipment, another accused, identifying himself as Kuldeep, made contact. Kuldeep informed the victim that to proceed with the delivery and payment, a vendor registration fee was mandatory.
Believing the order to be genuine, the dealer made a series of payments. Between December 11 and 12, he transferred a total of over ₹3.7 lakh in four instalments to two different bank accounts—one in Canara Bank and another in Bank of Maharashtra.
Suspicion Aroused and Police Complaint Filed
The scam unraveled when the gang, not satisfied with the amount already paid, demanded an additional ₹20,000. They further instructed the driver of the vehicle carrying the panel boards to wait two kilometres outside the Academy gate, refusing to allow him entry for delivery.
This unusual instruction raised red flags for the businessman. Growing suspicious, he immediately called back his delivery vehicle. Realising he had been cheated, he approached the Cyberabad Cyber Crime police and lodged a formal complaint.
Based on his complaint, a case was registered on Sunday under relevant sections of the law. The charges include Sections 318(4) (cheating) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for businesses, especially those dealing with government or defence entities online, to rigorously verify the authenticity of purchase orders and demands for upfront fees. Authorities advise direct verification through official channels before transferring any funds.
