Kanpur Resident Defrauded of Nearly Rs 10 Lakh in Elaborate Cyber Scam
In a distressing incident from Kanpur, a man has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme, losing a staggering Rs 9.68 lakh to criminals who falsely promised to secure a Customer Service Point (CSP) licence for him. The case, which highlights the growing menace of online scams, has prompted police action with a report filed against two individuals under the Information Technology Act.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The victim, identified as Gyanendra Singh, a resident of Vijay Nagar in the Kakadeo police station area, reported that the fraud began on December 6, 2024. He received a WhatsApp call from a woman named Madhu Sharma, who convincingly offered to help him obtain a CSP licence—a permit that allows individuals to operate customer service centres for banking and government services.
According to Gyanendra's complaint, Madhu Sharma sent him multiple QR codes and instructed him to make payments through various digital platforms. Over time, he transferred more than Rs 3 lakh in different instalments, with the fraudsters demanding funds via APS Payout and DMT Wallet services. The total amount siphoned off eventually reached Rs 9.68 lakh before Gyanendra realised he had been duped.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
After discovering the fraud, Gyanendra took immediate steps to seek justice. In January 2025, he filed a detailed report on the official online cyber portal and lodged a formal complaint with the Kakadeo police station. Inspector Rajesh Kumar Sharma of the Kakadeo police station confirmed that based on the victim's account, a report has been registered against Madhu Sharma and a youth named Suraj.
The police are actively pursuing the case, with Inspector Sharma stating that assistance from the cyber cell has been requested to track down and apprehend the culprits. This collaborative effort aims to use digital forensics and investigative techniques to zero in on the fraudsters, who exploited modern payment systems to execute their scam.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online transactions and unsolicited digital offers. Cyber fraudsters often use tactics like fake licences or investment opportunities to lure victims, as seen in this CSP licence scam. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution, especially when dealing with unknown contacts on messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
- Always verify the authenticity of offers through official channels.
- Avoid making payments via QR codes or wallets to unverified sources.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to cyber crime portals or local police.
The case underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public education to combat such frauds, which can have devastating financial consequences for individuals.
