Could Bengaluru techie be a victim of a delivery scam?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Verify package contents upon delivery.
- Keep records of transactions and communications.
- Report suspicious activities promptly.
- Use trusted platforms for online shopping.
- Be cautious with high-value purchases.
Bengaluru, Oct 30 (NationPress) A software engineer has lodged a complaint with the Kumaraswamy Layout police station in Bengaluru after becoming a victim of a delivery "scam", where he reportedly received a piece of tile instead of a smartphone valued at Rs 1.85 lakh.
The affected individual has been identified as Premanand, a senior tech professional.
As per the complaint, he purchased a Samsung Z Fold mobile phone worth Rs 1.85 lakh through the Amazon app and completed the payment during Diwali festivities. The order was delivered on the expected date.
To his astonishment, Premanand discovered a piece of tile inside the package rather than the phone. Attempts to reach the delivery boy were futile. He promptly reported the incident via the National Cyber Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Premanand mentioned that the perpetrator sent a tile that closely matched the phone's weight, which is why he did not suspect anything unusual at the moment of delivery. He even recorded a video while opening the sealed package.
He elaborated, "I had placed the order on Amazon and received a notification that the product would arrive on October 20. Interestingly, it was delivered a day early, on October 19. They requested the OTP, and it was not an open-box delivery. After providing the OTP and accepting the package, I later discovered a piece of tile instead of the phone."
"The package was sealed. Both the Amazon cover and the smartphone box looked legitimate. Yet, instead of the phone, there was a tile inside. I documented the unboxing process on video. I also reached out to Amazon customer support to report the fraud, and they assured me that the issue would be resolved in four to five days," he added.
The techie has submitted the video recordings and documentation to the police. A case has been registered, and the investigation is underway.