SRINAGAR: Police in Awantipora area of pulwama district have arrested a man for allegedly cheating local shopkeepers by using forged QR code payment confirmations to obtain goods without making actual digital payments.
Officials said the police took cognisance of multiple complaints from shopkeepers reporting fraudulent transactions. During an inquiry conducted under the supervision of Station House Officer (SHO) Police Station Awantipora, Inspector Aijaz Ahmad, investigators identified the accused as Sameer Ahmad Hajam, son of Shabir Ahmad Hajam and a resident of Boh, Awantipora.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused allegedly deceived shopkeepers by displaying fake payment confirmation screens after scanning QR codes, thereby dishonestly obtaining goods and money. He was subsequently arrested, and legal action has been initiated in accordance with the law.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the fraud and whether other individuals were involved.
Authorities have advised shopkeepers and the public to confirm that payments have been successfully credited to their bank accounts before handing over goods and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding citizens against cyber and digital fraud.
