• Fraudsters pretend to be buyers making advance payments.
• They use fake transaction receipts to request refunds or verifications.
• Victims transfer money, believing they are confirming the payment.

Case 2: Mumbai Woman Duped in Advance Payment Scam

A 41-year-old woman from Mumbai listed her furniture on OLX and was contacted by a buyer who claimed to be purchasing the item for his newly rented apartment.

Step 1: False Identity and Trust-Building

The scammer introduced himself as a software professional moving into the city. He insisted on making an advance payment to reserve the furniture.

Step 2: Fake Payment Request

He sent her a fake screenshot showing money deducted from his account and then asked her to verify by transferring ₹10,000 back to him as a test transaction. When she did, he asked for more, eventually duping her of ₹55,000 before disappearing.

Step 3: Realization and Complaint

Realizing she had been scammed, the victim reported the fraud to the local police.

Source: Times of India