Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters cheat cattle traders using fake payment apps

Cyber fraudsters allegedly duped cattle traders in Hyderabad by displaying fake payment app screenshots during livestock purchases. Police said traders in Kanchanbagh and Rajendranagar lost over Rs 1 lakh and urged sellers to verify bank credits before handing over animals ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters cheated two cattle traders in the city by showing fake app screenshots of payment made for cattle purchases in the market and duped them of Rs 68,000 and Rs 48,000, respectively.

According to the police, in Kanchanbagh, six individuals arrived on three bikes, bargained with a trader, showed a fake app screen indicating a payment of Rs 68,000, and took away the livestock.

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Similarly, in Rajendranagar, four individuals purchased goats worth Rs 48,000 and duped the seller using the same method with a fake payment app. The victims, later checking their bank accounts, realised no money had been credited and made complaints to the police.

Following the cheating cases, the city police have warned people against falling prey to cyber fraudsters who are duping people on the pretext of online payments during cattle purchases.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, VC Sajjanar, said as Eid al-Adha festival approaches, some fraudsters are targeting innocent traders under the guise of digital payments and engaging in scams.

They are creating fake mobile apps like “PhonePe” and showing screens that appear to indicate cash has been paid, thereby deceiving the traders. Taking advantage of the chaotic hustle in the markets, these fraudsters are duping traders who don’t bother to check if the money has actually been deposited into their bank accounts,” said Sajjanar.

The police advised goat and sheep sellers to remain vigilant. “If someone claims to send money online, do not trust just the screenshot visible on the buyer’s phone or a ‘payment successful’ message. Check the official bank SMS that comes to your own mobile, or directly open your banking app and confirm the balance has increased before handing over the livestock,” the police advised.

If anyone behaves suspiciously or attempts to deceive you, do not delay even a moment—immediately call Dial 100 or provide information to our police officers.