HYDERABAD: The messages on social media platforms would be stunningly alluring. iPhones for Rs 20,000, DSLR for Rs 50,000, drone cameras for Rs 75,000, neither too cheap nor too expensive with email ids, WhatsApp number and a website. Transfer the money to an account, product will be delivered at home. No Cash on Delivery, all transactions online with the added bait of 10 percent cash back offer.
Something got to give and it did on Thursday when the Hyderabad police cracked the mystery of similar postings when they nabbed Nikhil Arora. A DJ by night and a con artiste by day, Nikhil was tracked and arrested by Marketing Intelligence Team of Central Crime Station here after sustained surveillance of three months after he posted ads on Quikr.com. Nikhil Arora, (26), a native of Delhi, was using a series of websites including www.store1800.com, to con gullible people with cheap goods. Three other accused, Naman Arora (28), Nidhi Kumari and Vikas Thomar, all natives of Delhi, managed to give a slip to the police.
Rs 19 lakh cash has been recovered from him and the Police said the full extent of the fraud is yet to be ascertained. “We have been tracking him for three months. We have identified four victims so far but many more victims might be there,” said Swati Lakra, additional commissioner (crimes and SIT).
“Nikhil Arora has been sitting in Goa and fooling gullible customers across the country for over a year using just a laptop and internet connection,” said Swati Lakra.
GUIDELINES FOR THE PUBLIC
Do not get attracted by online advertisements that offer the product cheap.
Be cautious when dealing with people who are from different states.
Preferably, the sale or purchase must be carried out in a safe location with public movement