How Did a Tea Stall Owner Lose Rs 2.36 Lakh in UPI Fraud?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A tea stall owner in Seelampur faced a devastating cyber fraud, losing Rs 2.36 lakh from his wife's account. The quick action of the Cyber Police led to the arrest of a suspect. This incident highlights the vulnerability of everyday people to cybercrime.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber fraud can affect anyone, regardless of their technological knowledge.
- Immediate reporting of lost devices is crucial to prevent unauthorized access.
- Law enforcement is actively working to combat cybercrime.
- Awareness and vigilance are essential in today’s digital landscape.
- Freezing funds can help recover lost amounts in cases of fraud.
New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) In Seelampur, a tea stall proprietor fell prey to an elaborate cyber scam, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs 2.36 lakh from his wife's bank account. Fortunately, the Cyber Police in Delhi's North-East District swiftly intervened, apprehending a 21-year-old cyber criminal and securing crucial evidence, such as a mobile device and SIM cards involved in the offense.
The victim, Gareeb Nath Gupta, who operates a tea stall near the Seelampur Bus Stand, reported the incident to the Cyber Police Station on June 4.
He disclosed that his Samsung keypad phone—which held a functional SIM—had been misplaced on May 27.
Alarmingly, from May 28 to June 2, someone misused the lost SIM card to execute a series of unauthorized UPI transactions, draining Rs 2.36 lakh from the distressed vendor's bank account.
In response, the Cyber Police promptly registered a case under Sections 303(2)/318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and established a specialized team led by Inspector Rahul Kumar (SHO/Cyber PS) and supervised by ACP Mangesh Gedam.
Employing technical surveillance and digital forensics, the investigators connected the fraudulent actions to an Airtel Payments Bank account associated with a stolen mobile device.
The suspect was identified as Md. Monish, a 21-year-old mobile phone repair technician residing in Janta Mazdoor Colony, Welcome, Jafrabad, Delhi.
He was detained following a focused operation. During questioning, Monish admitted to acquiring stolen phones, often already equipped with operational SIM cards, from unknown sources at low prices.
He then utilized any financial accounts linked to those numbers for illicit transfers via UPI applications. Law enforcement has frozen Rs 35,000 from the total amount stolen and recovered one mobile phone and two SIM cards implicated in the cybercrime.
The investigation continues as authorities strive to uncover additional suspects or connections within this digital fraud scheme.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of how even ordinary individuals, with limited exposure to technology, can fall victim to cybercrime in today’s digital landscape.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of cybersecurity awareness among citizens. This incident illustrates the vulnerabilities faced by everyday individuals in our increasingly digital society. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and informed to protect ourselves from cyber threats.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the tea stall owner?
The tea stall owner lost Rs 2.36 lakh due to UPI fraud involving a stolen SIM card.
How was the fraudster caught?
The Cyber Police tracked the fraudulent activity through technical surveillance and arrested the suspect.
What should individuals do to protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Individuals should regularly monitor their bank accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately.
What is UPI fraud?
UPI fraud involves unauthorized transactions made through Unified Payments Interface applications.
What actions are being taken against cybercrime?
Authorities are investigating further to identify other suspects and strengthen cybersecurity measures.
