KOCHI: The Kadavanthra police have launched an investigation after a man posing as a customs officer duped a Pathanamthitta native working in Kochi of over Rs 7 lakh, promising a job in the central government agency. The police have registered a cheating case in connection with the incident.
The victim has been a receptionist at a hotel in Kathrikadavu for the past one year. The accused, claiming to be an officer of the customs department, regularly stayed at the hotel. “The man told the hotel employees that he is from Aluva and has to stay back in Kochi as part of his work. He befriended the victim, who had made all the arrangements for his stay at the hotel,” a police officer said.
In February, the accused approached the victim promising a job at the customs department. He claimed that he has a strong influence in the department and made the victim believe that he can arrange a job if he pays the money.
“The accused swindled Rs 7.28 lakh from the victim this way. On one occasion, the victim had to buy a mobile phone worth Rs 21,000 for the accused,” said the officer.
As he did not receive an offer and the money he paid, the victim lodged a complaint on April 20.
“We are trying to trace the accused. Our first priority is to confirm the identity of the person. We are also collecting information from the customs department. No person with that identity has been found working in the department. The probe is in its preliminary stage,” the officer said.