A 19-year-old student from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, recently fell victim to a QR code phishing scam, losing over ₹15 lakh while searching for rental accommodation near his college in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The teenager, who comes from a builder’s family and is pursuing a business management degree, was trying to avoid daily commutes from Navi Mumbai by finding a place closer to his institute.
Details of the Scam:
Modus Operandi: The victim found a fraudulent website through a Google search that claimed to offer assistance in locating rental apartments. After contacting the number listed on the site, he was assured by the scammer, Deepak Chavan, that he would secure accommodation upon making an initial payment of ₹10,000.
Use of QR Codes: The scam involved sending QR codes to the victim’s mobile number, through which he made the initial transfer. The scammer manipulated the victim into making repeated transactions by claiming that the payments had failed.
Escalating Demands: The victim ultimately transferred a total of ₹15,84,095 across multiple transactions to ten different bank accounts, believing each time that he would be refunded if suitable accommodation was not secured.
Continued Deception: Even after realizing he had been duped, the victim was further tricked into transferring more money with the false promise of a full refund.
Legal Action:
Police Complaint: The Kharghar police have registered a complaint under Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which pertains to punishment for cheating by impersonation. Additionally, the case includes charges under Sections 318(2)(4) and 319(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which address cheating offenses, carrying a possible punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when making online transactions, especially involving QR codes and unfamiliar websites. Authorities are urging people to double-check the authenticity of online listings and to avoid transferring large sums of money without thorough verification.
