Awantipora, Feb 10 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police have exposed a QR code-based payment fraud in Awantipora area of south Kashmir and arrested an accused involved in cheating local shopkeepers, officials said on Tuesday.
Police said complaints were received from shopkeepers alleging that they were being cheated during digital transactions. Acting on the complaints, an inquiry was initiated under the supervision of the Station House Officer of Police Station Awantipora.
During the inquiry, police found that the accused, identified as Sameer Ahmad Hajam, son of Shabir Ahmad Hajam, an inhabitant of Boh area of Awantipora, was allegedly cheating shopkeepers by showing fake or forged QR code payment confirmations and dishonestly obtaining money without actual transfer of funds.
Police said the accused was arrested in the case and shifted to the police station for further questioning. Necessary legal action has been initiated under relevant sections of law, while investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the fraud and to find out whether any other persons are involved.
Officials said several shopkeepers had suffered losses after relying on forged payment confirmation screens during digital transactions. Police have advised shopkeepers and the general public to verify successful credit of payments in their bank accounts before handing over goods.
Police said efforts are being intensified to curb digital and cyber frauds and urged locals to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. [KNT]
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