Hyderabad Businessman Falls Victim to Elaborate iPhone Scam by Fake Customs Official
In a distressing incident of deception, a businessman from Secunderabad was defrauded of Rs 75,000 by an individual masquerading as a customs official, who falsely promised to sell him iPhones at a significantly reduced price. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) police have officially registered a cheating case based on the victim's detailed complaint, which was filed on Tuesday.
Details of the Deceptive Encounter
According to the police report, the complainant, identified as Gyam Alfred, a 53-year-old proprietor of a soft drink shop located near Secunderabad railway station, was approached by the accused at approximately 9 am on Tuesday. The suspect, dressed in civilian attire, introduced himself as a customs official and made an enticing offer to provide two iPhones along with some gold items at exceptionally low prices. "Posing as a Customs official, he promised to provide two iPhones and some gold items at low prices. Convinced by the promise, I agreed to buy iPhones for ₹1 lakh," Alfred recounted to the investigating officers.
The Scam Unfolds at RGIA
The fraudster subsequently instructed Alfred to meet him at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at noon to collect the promised devices. "I met him at the departure terminal and initially paid ₹70,000 in cash. He demanded another ₹5,000, and I gave him the additional amount. After that, he asked me to wait there and left the place to bring the iPhones. However, he did not return," the victim explained, detailing how the accused vanished after receiving the total sum of Rs 75,000.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Upon realizing he had been cheated, Alfred immediately approached the airport police authorities, who promptly registered a formal case under sections 316 (2), which pertains to punishment for criminal breach of trust, and 318 (4), addressing cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Tuesday night. RGIA Outpost inspector S Kanakaiah provided an update on the investigation, stating, "We are trying to identify the accused by verifying the CCTV footage at various places. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report such fraudsters to the nearest police authorities."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The police are actively pursuing leads, including a thorough review of surveillance footage from the airport and surrounding areas, to apprehend the perpetrator and prevent similar scams in the future.
