Police in Pulwama nab two fraudsters operating social media scam

PULWAMA — Two individuals have been arrested by police in Pulwama for their involvement in a scam targeting people through social media platforms.

A police spokesman said that Police Station Pulwama received a complaint from Mehraj Ud Din Najar, son of Gh Hassan Najar from Dalipora. Najar reported that Irfan Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Rashid Bhat from Wadoora, Bomai Sopore, had posted a deceased person’s photograph on Facebook along with his own account number and phone number, soliciting funds in the deceased’s name.

Subsequently, FIR No. 51/2024 under relevant sections of the law was registered, and an investigation was initiated. It was revealed during the investigation that Bhat and another individual, a juvenile whose name was withheld, conspired to defraud people by creating two Facebook accounts under the names “Sameer Tigers” and “Apna Sarkar.” They posted the deceased person’s photograph along with their own contact information, deceiving individuals into sending them money.

Both suspects have been apprehended, with further investigations ongoing, according to the official.

Authorities caution the public against falling victim to such schemes and emphasize the importance of verifying the credibility of online appeals before making donations. Any individual found involved in such fraudulent activities will face legal consequences, the statement reiterated.