BERHAMPUR: Bada Bazaar police on Friday arrested three persons from the city on charges of online fraud in purchasing products from shopping websites.
They are identified as Shankar Rao, Kalia Sahu and B Rajesh Kumar of Bada Bazaar. Police also seized 1000 SIM cards, nine laptops, 40 mobiles from their possession.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Berhampur SP Sarthak Sarangi said as per preliminary investigation, Rao used to purchase various electronic products using different names, mobile numbers, e-mail Ids and addresses from various online sellers including Snapdeal. Later, he demanded return of his money from the companies alleging damaged products. During the last six months, Rao along with Sahu and Kumar had fraudulently received around Rs 21 lakh from various online companies, he added.
Six months back, Rao had ordered several costly mobile phones from Snapdeal on different names. A day after receiving the products, Rao filed online complaints alleging defects in some of the mobile phones and claimed return of money. The company deposited money as per claims.
Later, the company sent its representative Shivam Pathela to Berhampur to inquire into the matter who lodged an FIR against Rao at Bada Bazaar on Thursday.