The Haryana Police has advised individuals renting out homes, shops, or offices on OLX and other online platforms to remain vigilant. Police state that cyber fraudsters are currently targeting rental advertisements to scam people. Notably, these fraudsters attempt to gain trust by posing as Army personnel, officers, or bank officials. They then ensnare victims by sending fake documents and identification proofs.
**How the scam is executed**
According to the Haryana Police, fraudsters first obtain contact numbers from rental ads posted on OLX. They then call and identify themselves as Army officers, soldiers, or employees of reputed banks. To establish credibility, they send fake ID cards, Aadhaar cards, or other relevant documents. Subsequently, they create a pretext for the victim to transfer advance rent or a security deposit. During this process, they ask the victim to scan a QR code, share bank account details, disclose an OTP, or click on a specific link. Once the victim falls for the ruse, money is siphoned off from their account.
**Points to keep in mind**
The police have urged people to meet face-to-face with anyone interested in renting the property. Do not place trust solely on phone calls or documents sent online. Avoid sharing bank details, OTPs, UPI PINs, or any other personal information with strangers. Additionally, it is advised to thoroughly verify the prospective tenant's identity and documents. Exercise extra caution if someone pressures you to make a payment in haste or insists on following a specific procedure.
**What to do in case of cyber fraud?**
The Haryana Police has stated that anyone falling victim to cyber fraud should immediately call the national cyber helpline number, 1930. Alternatively, a complaint can also be registered on the cybercrime portal.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
