A few days ago, a medicine student, after completion of her course in the city, wanted to move to another place, lock, stock, and barrel. To move her things, she was in search of a reliable packaging and transport company. After browsing through some websites, she zeroed in on a company with a local footing.
The transactions were finalised through exchange of a couple of emails and a few telephone calls. The date was fixed. The workers from the packaging company approached the medico’s house, got everything packed including her car, loaded them on a truck and moved away after collecting the payment, only never to be seen or heard again.
This not the solitary incident. The City Police off late have received many such complaints about packaging and transport companies and courier firms duping the customers. “There were also a few complaints, wherein courier firms after collecting the merchandise, never reported back or delivered the goods to the destination,” says DCP K. Fakeerappa.
According to Cyber Crime Investigation Cell Inspector Gopinath, in many cases, such websites, companies, including their address, cellphone numbers and e-mail are found to be fake.
“The investigations of such cases often hits the blind alley. However, we are trying to penetrate the veil to trace the kingpins,” he says.
Verify yourself
“Despite repeated news reports and awareness campaigns undertaken by the Police Department, people tend to fall prey to such fake companies and websites cunningly played up by cyber criminals. A cautious approach will not only keep such criminals at bay, but also bring down the cyber crime rate,” says Police Commissioner Mahesh Chandra Laddha.
According to the senior police officers, a physical check of the office and personal interactions can bring down such frauds.
“There are a few things that one must look into primarily. If one has to depend entirely on an online transaction, it’s better to depend on branded and reputed companies. At times, fraudsters tweak the brand names to confuse the victims, but one should take some time off to examine the matter carefully. If one thinks of hiring the services a local company, it’s better to visit the branch in person and talk to the persons before making any transaction with them,” says Mr. Fakkeerappa.
Sumit Bhattacharjee