The Sirsa cyber police have arrested a youth from Rohtak district for allegedly duping an Ellenabad resident of Rs 42,580. The police said the accused was identified as Vikas, a resident of Johri Gate area in Meham town of Rohtak district.
Cyber police station SHO Prem Kumar said the complainant alleged that he received a WhatsApp call on May 22 from a person, who had used the photograph of his sister-in-law, a resident of Rajasthan, as the display picture on the messaging app.
The caller introduced himself as the complainant’s maternal cousin and claimed that the woman was ill and urgently needed money. The accused then sent a QR code and asked the victim to transfer money.
Believing the caller, the victim transferred Rs 42,580. However, when the accused called again and demanded more money, the complainant became suspicious and realised he had been duped.
Following the complaint, the Sirsa cyber police registered a case of fraud against unidentified persons and started an investigation.
The police said technical evidence and secret information helped the team trace and arrest the accused from Meham. He was produced in court and sent to judicial custody.
The SHO appealed to people to remain alert while receiving WhatsApp calls or messages seeking money and advised citizens not to trust unknown callers or scan suspicious QR codes.
