Kolkata, April 22 (IANS) Police have arrested 17 people in connection with cyber fraud through the Cash on Delivery mode that is used by many people for ordering products online, the police said on Wednesday.

Investigating a case, the Cyber ​​Police department of Kolkata Police arrested 17 people, including nine women, after searching a call centre in Gariahat.

The police seized 43 mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops and wireless phones.

A police official said that it is not advisable to pay online before receiving the goods ordered through ‘Cash on Delivery’. The price should be paid only after receiving the goods.

Most people who order things online pay in cash after receiving them. According to Kolkata Police, this time a fraud has started using this ‘Cash on Delivery’ as a tool. Allegedly, many buyers are paying money in the wrong place at the behest of the fraudsters even before the goods arrive at their doorstep. After that, they do not receive the ordered goods.

According to the police, fraudsters steal digital information and see who orders things through ‘Cash on Delivery’ on various online platforms. Before the targeted company or seller delivers the goods to that buyer, the fraudsters call. After that, they request the buyer to pay the money via QR code instead of cash, on multiple pretexts.

According to the police, all the buyers who fall into the trap of fraudsters and send money to QR code or phone number before receiving the goods are being cheated.

Allegedly, the fraudsters are not delivering the goods purchased by the buyer online.

Later, when the employees of the real online company come to deliver the goods, the buyers realise that the person they sent the money to is not a ‘delivery agent’.

That is how this new type of online fraud is taking place.

While investigating several complaints in regard to this cyber fraud, the police busted the racket and made 17 arrests.

A call centre was used to get in touch with the potential targets and scam them by sending QR code or phone numbers.

–IANS

sch/rad