A 19-year-old teenager from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, fell victim to a QR code phishing scam recently, losing a staggering amount of ₹15 lakh to a fraudulent website promising rental apartments. The teenager, who comes from a family of builders and is studying business management at a prestigious institute in Vile Parle, was looking for accommodation near his college to avoid daily commutes from Navi Mumbai.
The young man discovered a website through Google that claimed to help in finding rental properties. Upon contacting the number provided on the website, he met with the scammer who assured him of securing accommodation in his desired location after an initial payment of ₹10,000. A QR code was sent to his mobile number to complete the transaction.
The accused, identified as Deepak Chavan, engaged in multiple transactions under the guise of failed payments, leading the victim to transfer a total of ₹15,84,095. The scam started on September 24 and continued until October 13, during which the victim transferred money to ten different bank accounts. The funds transferred belonged to the victim’s father’s savings, placed in his name.
When the victim realized he had been deceived and tried to recover the money, the fraudster manipulated him into making more transfers, promising to refund the entire amount. A complaint has been lodged with the Kharghar police under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act 2000 and the Indian Penal Code, which deal with impersonation, cheating, and carry a potential punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment.
It is essential for everyone to be cautious when making online transactions and to verify the authenticity of websites and individuals before sharing personal or financial information. Scams like these highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the need to stay vigilant against fraudulent activities, especially in the digital age where technology is constantly evolving.
In today’s world, where online transactions have become commonplace, it is crucial to educate oneself about the various types of scams and frauds prevalent in the digital space. Being informed and exercising caution can help prevent falling victim to such deceitful schemes and protect oneself from financial losses.
As the investigation into this QR code scam continues, authorities urge the public to report any suspicious online activities and seek assistance from law enforcement if they suspect fraudulent behavior. Stay safe and stay informed to avoid becoming the next target of cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting individuals for their personal gain.
