Ahmedabad Trader Allegedly Cheated of Car in Dishonoured Cheque Scam
In a distressing incident reported from Ahmedabad, a local cloth trader has fallen victim to an alleged financial fraud, losing his car after accepting a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakh that was later dishonoured. The case, filed with the Sarkhej police, highlights the risks involved in private vehicle sales and the urgent need for caution in such transactions.
Urgent Financial Needs Lead to Car Sale
The trader, a resident of Dholka, decided to sell his vehicle due to pressing financial requirements stemming from his child's health condition. In a bid to find a buyer quickly, he advertised the car for sale on social media platforms. Last September, he received a call from a prospective buyer, and after negotiations, they finalised the deal at Rs 1.5 lakh.
Transaction Details and Alleged Deception
According to the complaint lodged with the police, the buyer arranged a meeting near a hotel in Sarkhej to complete the sale. At the spot, the vehicle was inspected, and necessary sale documents were prepared. The trader reported that the buyer took possession of the original Registration Certificate (RC) book and a copy of his Aadhaar card as part of the paperwork.
The trader alleged that he received Rs 5,000 in cash on the spot, along with a cheque for Rs 1.5 lakh to cover the remaining amount. The buyer assured him that the cheque would clear if deposited the following day, providing a sense of security in the transaction.
Cheque Dishonoured and Payment Default
However, when the trader deposited the cheque, it was returned unpaid. Upon contacting the buyer, he was told that the remaining amount would be paid in cash within two to three days. Despite these assurances, the payment was never made, and the car was not returned, leaving the trader in a precarious financial and emotional state.
Police Investigation Underway
The Sarkhej police have taken up the case and are examining the allegations under sections related to cheating and criminal breach of trust. Authorities are conducting further investigations to trace the buyer and recover the vehicle, emphasising the importance of verifying financial instruments in such deals.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for individuals engaging in private sales to exercise due diligence, such as verifying cheque authenticity and using secure payment methods, to avoid similar scams.
