Chennai police have arrested two men for allegedly defrauding a 25-year-old physiotherapist by using a fake digital payment trick at an ATM center.

Key Takeaways

  • Incident occurred at an ATM in Ashok Nagar, Chennai.
  • Accused used fake GPay transaction sounds to deceive the victim.
  • Both suspects have significant prior criminal records.

In a brazen act of petty crime, two men have been apprehended for allegedly cheating a 25-year-old physiotherapist of ₹1,500 in Chennai's Ashok Nagar area. The duo utilized a deceptive digital payment tactic to flee with cash.

The victim, identified as Appu, a resident of Kovur, was withdrawing money from an SBI ATM near 19th Avenue when the suspects, identified as Shahjith (21) and Thiruselvam (19), approached him. Claiming an urgent need for cash, they promised to transfer the equivalent amount via GPay immediately upon receiving the physical notes.

The Modus Operandi

According to police reports, the accused scanned the victim's QR code and played a pre-recorded transaction sound on their mobile device to simulate a successful payment. Believing the sound to be authentic, the victim handed over the cash. The suspects then quickly escaped on a two-wheeler, leaving the victim to realize the fraud only after checking his bank statement.

Criminals are increasingly exploiting the 'psychology of urgency' and digital sound alerts to execute low-value, high-frequency scams.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that while the amount involved is relatively small, the method reflects a growing trend of 'micro-scams' designed to avoid immediate suspicion while targeting unsuspecting citizens in public spaces. These criminals rely on the momentary confusion caused by digital interfaces.

The investigation further revealed that the arrested individuals are habitual offenders. Shahjith has two previous criminal cases, while Thiruselvam has four. They are suspected of carrying out similar scams in the Kodambakkam and Nungambakkam areas.

Did You Know?: Scammers often use 'spoof' apps that mimic the interface and sound effects of popular payment apps like GPay or PhonePe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did the scammers trick the victim?
They used a fake transaction sound on their phone after scanning the victim's QR code to make it appear as though the payment was successful.

2. Do the suspects have a criminal history?
Yes, both Shahjith and Thiruselvam are repeat offenders with multiple prior criminal cases registered against them.