A number of frauds related to OLX , the online platform for buying and selling used goods, is an increasing concern for the Gurugram Police. The city police have also identified three areas that have seen a hike in cyber frauds originating on the platform.
According to a survey conducted by police, most of these frauds have been traced to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Nuh in Haryana.
The city police have registered 17 FIRs after receiving 435 complaints related to OLX fraud till August this year.
To deal with this menace, the police suggested some measures to OLX officials to take necessary steps to combat such incidents.
According to the police, the fraudsters adopt several techniques to dupe their targets, like fraud money is routed through multiple gateways, thus further complicating the probe.
Nitika Gahlaut, DCP (headquarters), Gurugram Police, said that the police have received multiple complaints related to online frauds.
"To curb such frauds, we have given valuable suggestions to OLX and have also pointed out some loopholes on the website which fraudsters are using to dupe people. We have suggested the company officials cross-check their users' details. The company has to ensure that a user can create only one account using one mobile number," the DCP said.
The officer further said that the fraudsters keep coming up with new ways to cheat people. During the probe, the officer said fraudsters usually pose as Army Men, doctors and teachers while offering to buy a product. Their profile often helps them gain trust among sellers.
"We have also suggested the company to implement verified user tags in case any user uploads any product or ad on the website. It is the responsibility of the company, they have to collect entire information about the user before verifying them on the platform.
The DCP also asserted that such incidents will be strictly curbed in the future.
"We have also given strict directions to the company management. If we find lapses on behalf of the company, stern actions will be initiated as per the law," she said.
OLX also claimed to have a threefold strategy to deal with online fraud.
“Users will have to share their GPS location. Consent will be taken from while downloading the app. A user will be authenticated with his/her mobile phone number. Only one OLX account can be accessed from a mobile number, awareness videos educating users on how to transact safely on the platform, safety tips on homepage of our app, safety tips notifications in different languages and helpline to resolve the grievances of the users,” said Juhi Singh, the legal counsel for OLX India Private Ltd.
"We have been collaborating closely with the police's cyber cells agencies across the country and giving them all possible support to help nab the fraudsters," she added.