People in India now accept anything spoken in the name of the uniform due to the Indian armed forces’ growing reputation. According to recent advice from the Navi Mumbai Police, this has resulted in a “recent string” of frauds by individuals acting as “army men.” Such Indian army scams are increasing these days rapidly.

Indian army frauds are done through e-commerce sites and other online websites. When using online marketplaces to buy and sell goods, you should exercise caution when interacting with individuals who identify themselves as Indian Army personnel. 

Did You know? According to reports from January 9, 2022, over twenty flat owners were individually defrauded of tens of thousands of rupees by con artists acting as army officers

List of Indian Army Fraud Cases

Since numerous scams have been associated with our army throughout the years, the prestige and image of the Indian army have suffered. For example, In March 2020, at least 10 villages of Rajasthan were implicated in scamming purchasers on OLX claiming to be army officers. If you think this is extreme, you might be startled to learn that this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

These kinds of army fraud frequently involve the offender showing you their army ID card and pleading with you to believe them since they are in the military. Avoid falling for such tricks and never trust someone based on their ID, which is highly susceptible to forgery.

Also Read: QR Code Scams are Rising: See ways to safeguard yourself from it

Ways to Detect Fraud Using QR Code, Merchant Account 

This refers to army scams carried out by individuals who pose as military personnel and demand money for expenses for which the military already reimburses real troops. These people are constantly looking for internet adverts and seize opportunities when they arise. Essentially, they aim to make you send money through online banking or phone banking and humiliate you.

New WhatsApp DPs scams

Facebook-posted images are being weaponised and threatened by WhatsApp. For instance, there was a WhatsApp DP scam in the name of the Indian Army. A senior Jammu and Kashmir IAS officer has exposed a fake WhatsApp Display Picture (DP) fraud that targets trusting citizens.  The individual aims to rob them after a fraudster used his likeness as DP on a bogus WhatsApp number to defraud people. The matter was checked by the secretary of the tribal affairs department who complained to the cyber police.

According to the police, one of the fraudsters’ methods involves obtaining images of government employees from the internet’s open-source community. They create a WhatsApp account using a fictitious SIM card or virtual number. Then they upload the government official’s picture as the WhatsApp profile picture and send communications to those requesting administrative or financial favours. 

Indian Army Scanner Fraud

People, who engage in army fraud cases, will use the army, a jawan’s name and appearance to dupe people into believing them, and they would then say a variety of things to get them to pay.

Recently, a case came to the notice of the Indian Police where an army officer named Sanjay sent the victim a message and informed him that they had a separate swipe machine to pay with G Pay. He asked him to deposit money through that means. Police called it to be a plain and simple Indian army fraud. As a safeguard, people are requested not to answer and make payments to such phone calls if they don’t want to lose money.

Indian army fraud related to OLX

In an incident, Delhi Police’s cyber cell section recently apprehended a fraudster who impersonated an army officer to mislead clients on the online selling site OLX.

The victim initially claimed that someone had conned him out of almost ₹1.75 lakh under the guise of selling a top-of-the-line iPhone, but the deception was discovered.

False IDs for the Indian Army

Many fraud cases are coming up with the fraudster showing false IDs of the Indian army and claiming to be army officers.

Recently a case came up where, based on the information the STF (Special Task Force) team acquired, they made the three arrests. The arrested suspect claims many people might benefit from several career prospects, particularly in faraway countries like Afghanistan, by utilising these fake Indian Army IDs.

According to the arrested individuals, hundreds of fake Indian army ID cards have already been issued to individuals via mail, the officers added.

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How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of “Army man” Fraud?

People should be vigilant against such frauds. Never share your bank details with anyone. Here is a list to prevent fraudalent:

1. Never believe someone just because they have an army ID card.

These kinds of army fraud frequently involve the perpetrator showing people their fake army ID cards and pleading with you to believe them since they are in the military. Avoid falling for such tricks and never trust someone based on their ID, which is highly susceptible to forgery.

2. Avoid paying in advance.

When purchasing something, avoid paying in advance and request that the seller accept payment once the item is delivered to avoid the army scams in India.

3. Meet in a common area

Whether you are the seller or the buyer, always insist on meeting at a public place to complete the deal. This will avoid getting involved in army scams.

4. Exercise caution when receiving payments

Online scammers have occasionally used QR codes to trick victims. Avoid scanning any QR codes and exercise caution when visiting links while receiving money. Do not supply any OTP to the sender as they might use this to steal money from you.

Handling Online Accusations about Fraud by the Indian Army

• Submit a complaint to the police.
• Alert the seller, brand or businesses.
• Launch your social media campaign against fraud to spread awareness.
• Prepare Consumer Forum Case.

Frauds targeting military consumers can also harm troop morale and military readiness. An important aspect of the commission’s work in consumer protection is its aggressive enforcement of the law and ongoing, vigorous education campaigns to combat such scams.

Also Read: Difference Between Invoice and Bill Explained With Usage of Bills and Invoices

Conclusion

The defence system of a nation is a very delicate matter that requires careful handling and supervision to preserve the nation’s ability to keep the peace. The adverse outcomes that may result from wrongdoers’ frauds are unknown to them. Such offences should be punished appropriately with hefty penalties and lengthy prison terms. Making the right choice is crucial to maintaining peace in our nation.
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