Petrol pump operators cautioned as cyber fraud nexus unveiled

Petrol pump operators across the state should exercise caution while conducting transactions through digital mediums because even slight carelessness can lead to legal consequences. The Haryana Police has urged all petrol pump operators in the state to remain vigilant during digital transactions, as the other party may turn out to be a cyber-criminal. Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, shared this information today.

He mentioned that the Haryana Police has observed instances where cybercriminals fraudulently transfer money to bank accounts. Subsequently, they collaborate with petrol pump operators to withdraw cash, engaging in an illegal act. Kapur emphasized the importance of vigilance among petrol pump operators, stressing that even the slightest negligence on their part could result in legal consequences, including imprisonment.

A recent incident highlights this issue. On the afternoon of Saturday, December 30, Haryana Police received a report of a cyber-fraud involving 50,000 from a woman’s bank account. The victim explained that an imposter, posing as an insurance representative, informed her that her policy had matured. The imposter instructed her to transfer the maturity amount to her bank account online. However, instead of receiving funds, the victim noticed unauthorized withdrawals. Realizing she had fallen victim to cyber fraud, she promptly reported the incident to the cyber helpline and filed a formal complaint.

Subsequent investigations revealed the incident’s association with the Nuh district. In response, joint teams from the Nuh District Police and the Cyber Police Station in Panchkula were constituted to apprehend the culprits. A team from the Cyber Police Station in Panchkula, led by SP Cyber Amit Dahiya, discovered that the cybercriminals had made cash withdrawals from a petrol pump in the Nuh district. The Haryana Police successfully apprehended all three suspects involved, who were presented in court today.

During interrogations, the accused admitted to levying a commission of three to five percent on petrol pump operators for facilitating cash withdrawals. Digital evidence supporting the claims has been seized from the suspects.