Fake Order Trap: Businessman Duped of ₹77,000 in Cyber Fraud

Keonjhar: A local fly-ash brick businessman fell victim to cyber fraudsters who swindled Rs. 76,998 from him using a fake order and payment link scam.

Balaram Sahu (42), a fly-ash brick dealer from Darbichhak, received a call on February 13 from mobile number 9572249788.

The caller identified himself as Anil Kumar Singh, a civil contractor, and placed an order for 3,000 fly-ash bricks. To gain trust, the fraudster transferred Rs. 1 via PhonePe.

The next day, February 14, at 11 AM, the victim received payment links. Upon clicking the links, money was deducted from his Punjab National Bank account in three transactions instead of being credited.

When he tried calling back, the number was switched off.

Balaram Sahu immediately filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and submitted an application for an FIR at Bolani Police Station.

He has demanded that the accused’s accounts be frozen, the culprits arrested, and his money recovered.

Cyber fraudsters first build trust through small transactions, then empty accounts using fake payment links. Never click on links sent by unknown persons.