140 Victims, 19 States: Police Arrest Accused in Rs 5.3 Crore Social Media Scam

Telangana police have arrested a 22-year-old cyber fraud suspect accused of cheating nearly 140 people across 19 states through a social media-based scam involving mobile phone spare parts and accessories offered at unusually low prices.

The accused, Prakash Kumar, a native of Jalore district in Rajasthan, was arrested by the Adilabad district police on Wednesday, according to District Superintendent of Police Akhil Mahajan. Police recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash and two mobile phones from him.

The case came to light after a mobile shop owner from Ichoda mandal in Adilabad district allegedly lost Rs 2.18 lakh while attempting to purchase chargers, display units and other mobile spare parts for his business.

In July, the shop owner reportedly came across the accused's account while searching for mobile accessories on Instagram. The seller allegedly promised to supply the products at attractive prices and assured the buyer that the order would be dispatched through a courier service after payment was made.

Between July 25 and August 8, the victim transferred the money in several instalments. To convince him that the goods had been dispatched, the accused allegedly sent a fake courier receipt through a messaging application.

The fraud was discovered when the shop owner visited the courier office on August 22 and found that no parcel had arrived. He subsequently contacted the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline, prompting the Ichoda police to register a case.

Investigators used technical evidence and digital leads to trace the accused and take him into custody.

During the subsequent investigation, police found that the alleged scam was far more widespread than initially believed. According to investigators, Prakash Kumar had allegedly used the same method to target traders and other individuals in 19 states, cheating around 140 victims of more than Rs 5.30 crore in total.

SP Akhil Mahajan warned the public against making advance payments to unknown sellers on social media, particularly those offering products at suspiciously low prices. He urged online shoppers and business owners to verify sellers before transferring money and remain alert to potential cyber fraud.