A jewellery store in Burrabazar has fallen victim to an online payment scam involving counterfeit transaction confirmations.
The incident, which took place on 27 January, involved a fraudster using a fake payment app to deceive the store owner. Similar incidents have been reported in the area, indicating a risk for jewellers.
Incident Details
A middle-aged man entered the shop and selected a gold chain valued at ₹60,000. Instead of paying in cash, he opted for an online transaction via an e-wallet. However, the suspect used a fraudulent payment application that produced a fake confirmation message, giving the impression that the payment had been completed. In reality, no funds were transferred.
Law enforcement officials investigating the case emphasised the importance of verifying actual credit receipts before completing transactions. “We advise all to wait for actual credit confirmation from banks rather than relying on instant payment notifications,” police stated.
Digital Payment Scams and the Jewellery Sector
Counterfeit payment apps have been used to target businesses dealing in high-value goods, including jewellery. As fraudsters take advantage of digital payment notifications, jewellers should consider additional verification measures to avoid losses.
Best Practices for Secure Transactions
As digital payments become more common in the jewellery trade, businesses should be aware of potential fraud risks. Retailers are advised to:
- Verify transactions directly through banking systems rather than relying on customer-provided screenshots.
- Implement a policy of only releasing goods once the payment is confirmed in the business account.
- Train staff to recognise signs of potential fraud and handle digital payments securely.
Authorities are investigating the Burrabazar case and have advised jewellers to verify transactions carefully.
