Two Cyber Fraudsters Arrested in Goraul for Fake Pay Phone Payment Scam, Police Recover Cash and Mobile Phones

Two Cyber Fraudsters Arrested in Goraul for Fake Pay Phone Payment Scam, Police Recover Cash and Mobile Phones

Muzaffarpur: In a major breakthrough against cyber fraud, Muzaffarpur Police arrested two notorious fraudsters involved in duping shopkeepers through fake digital payment screenshots. The accused were caught on Thursday from Godhiya Chowk under the Goraul police station area while allegedly attempting to cheat another trader using the same modus operandi.

According to the police, the two men used to visit shops, purchase goods, pretend to make online payments through mobile payment apps, and then show forged payment confirmation screenshots to the shopkeepers. Believing that the money had been transferred, the shopkeepers handed over the goods. By the time the traders realized that no payment had actually been received in their bank accounts, the accused had already fled.

The arrest has brought relief to local traders, many of whom had reported similar incidents in recent weeks. Police suspect that the accused may have cheated several shopkeepers across Muzaffarpur and nearby districts using this fraudulent technique.

Fraud Carried Out Through Fake Payment Screenshots

Investigators said the accused had mastered a simple but effective trick. They would select small grocery stores, mobile shops, general stores, and roadside businesses where digital payments through UPI applications such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm are commonly accepted.

After purchasing goods, they would pretend to transfer the amount through their mobile phones. Instead of completing the payment, they allegedly displayed a fabricated payment success screen or an edited screenshot showing the transaction as successful.

Many shopkeepers, especially during busy business hours, trusted the confirmation screen without checking their bank account or waiting for the payment notification. Taking advantage of this, the fraudsters quickly collected the purchased items and disappeared.

Shopkeepers Raised Complaints

Several traders in the Goraul market had reportedly complained that unknown customers were deceiving them through fake online payment confirmations. Initially, many businessmen believed the delayed payment was due to network issues or banking server problems.

However, after repeated incidents, traders compared notes and realized that they had all been cheated using the same method. The matter was then reported to Goraul Police Station.

Police began monitoring suspicious activity in the market and collected information from local shopkeepers. CCTV footage from nearby shops also helped investigators identify the suspects.

Arrest at Godhiya Chowk

Acting on specific intelligence, a police team reached Godhiya Chowk on Thursday, where the two suspects were allegedly trying to repeat the fraud.

The officers intercepted them before they could flee. During questioning, the accused reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the digital transactions displayed on their phones.

After verification, police detained both individuals and took them to the police station for further interrogation.

Cash and Mobile Phones Recovered

During the search operation, police recovered:

• Mobile phones allegedly used in the fraud
• Cash suspected to be proceeds from cheating
• SIM cards
• Digital payment-related documents and transaction records
• Other materials that may be used as evidence during the investigation

The seized mobile phones will undergo forensic examination to determine whether fake payment applications or edited screenshots were used.

Investigation Underway

Police officials said the investigation is still in progress to determine the full extent of the fraud.

Authorities are examining whether the accused were operating alone or as part of a larger cyber fraud network. Investigators are also trying to identify other victims who may have been cheated using the same technique.

Officials have not ruled out the possibility that the accused committed similar frauds in neighboring districts as well.

Police Appeal to Traders

Following the arrests, police issued an advisory urging all traders and business owners to remain cautious while accepting digital payments.

They advised shopkeepers not to rely solely on screenshots shown by customers. Instead, merchants should verify that the payment has actually been credited to their bank account or confirm receipt through their UPI application before handing over goods.

Police emphasized that payment screenshots can easily be edited or fabricated, making them an unreliable proof of payment.

Digital Payment Safety Tips

Cybercrime experts have suggested several precautions for shopkeepers:

• Always verify payment in the bank account or UPI app.
• Do not depend only on customer screenshots.
• Wait for the official payment notification before delivering goods.
• Keep transaction records for future reference.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to the nearest police station.

Traders Welcome Police Action

Local traders appreciated the prompt action taken by Goraul Police, saying that fake online payment scams had become a growing concern in recent months.

Many shopkeepers expressed hope that the arrests would discourage other fraudsters from targeting small businesses. They also urged the administration to conduct awareness campaigns on digital payment fraud so that more traders can protect themselves from similar scams.

Cyber Fraud Cases on the Rise

Police officials noted that with the rapid growth of digital transactions, cybercriminals are adopting new methods to cheat unsuspecting people. Fake payment screenshots, phishing links, QR code scams, and fraudulent UPI requests have become increasingly common.

Authorities have advised both traders and consumers to stay vigilant while conducting online financial transactions and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Police Continue Investigation

The arrested suspects are being questioned, and additional legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation. Police are also verifying whether more complaints are linked to the accused.

Officials said that if further victims are identified, additional charges may be added under relevant sections related to cheating, forgery, and cybercrime. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities expect more details to emerge in the coming days.