‘Prank Payment App’ gang cheats trader in Old Mondha; three arrested

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A gang using fake “prank digital payment apps” instead of genuine online payment platforms has become active in the city, duping traders of thousands of rupees. The fraud came to light after a complaint by a trader from Mondha. Acting swiftly, the cyber police arrested three accused from Waluj.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Yogesh Vinayak Gavhane (35), Nitin Anil Musmade (33), both residents of Kamalapur in Waluj, and Ravi Subhash Rathod (34) from Bajajnagar, Waluj.

Complainant Amol Khandekar runs a fabrication materials shop in the Mondha Naka area. On April 19, the three accused visited his shop and enquired about a CO₂ welding machine. The deal was finalised at Rs 36,580. The accused scanned the shop’s QR code and showed a screenshot indicating that the payment had been successfully transferred to Khandekar’s bank account. Trusting the screenshot, he handed over the machine. However, upon checking his account later, he realised that no money had been credited.

Police initially refused complaint

Khandekar approached Jawaharnagar police station to lodge a complaint, but his request was allegedly dismissed. He then escalated the matter to the Commissioner of Police (CP). Following this, crime branch inspector Gajanan Kalyankar and cyber police station Somnath Jadhav directed assistant police inspector Kadir Deshmukh to initiate a technical investigation.

Gang trapped after contacting trader again

The accused had attempted to cheat several traders in the Mondha area. Cyber police gathered strong evidence, including call records made from Khandekar’s shop, CCTV footage, and AI-based analysis. Based on this, the crime branch arrested the trio from Gavhane’s shop, YS Enterprises, in Kamalapur. The welding machine purchased using the fake screenshot was also recovered. Further investigation is being carried out by PSI Balraj Sutar of Jawaharnagar police station.

What is a ‘prank digital payment app’?

Several fake apps posing as digital payment platforms are currently circulating online. These apps are designed to deceive shopkeepers and traders. They closely resemble genuine payment apps, allowing fraudsters to enter a mobile number and amount, and then generate a fake “payment successful” screen. In reality, no money is transferred to the victim’s account.

Hundreds of fake screenshots ready

Fraudsters often keep hundreds of pre-prepared screenshots showing “payment successful” messages for different amounts, which they use to convince victims that payment has been made.

How to avoid such fraud

Always verify your bank account directly before handing over goods. Do not rely solely on screenshots.

Check your payment app’s transaction history to confirm receipt.

Keep app notifications enabled and monitor them closely.

Ensure your bank SMS alerts are active and verify official messages for credited amounts.

Use a voice-enabled payment confirmation device (smart speaker), which announces successful transactions—something fake apps cannot replicate.