Hyderabad: Cyber Crime police in Hyderabad arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly duping a victim through a fraudulent advertisement involving an embroidery machine sale on OLX.

Officials identified the accused as Peketi Veerababu, son of Peketi Durga Subba Rao, a private employee residing near SR Nagar Metro, Hyderabad, and originally from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

Police said the victim, a 33-year-old private employee from Hyderabad, came across a social media listing offering a sewing embroidery machine for ₹2,30,000. After contacting the seller and following instructions, he transferred the full amount in multiple installments from his Canara Bank account via PhonePe. Once the payment was made, the seller cut off all contact.

Investigation revealed that Veerababu used various mule accounts, including gaming platform accounts, to receive funds from victims. He would then block their numbers and refuse further communication.

Police seized one cellphone and a Union Bank debit card from the accused.

The case was detected by a team led by Inspector K. Satish Reddy, supported by SI P. Suresh and constables Mallesham, Shiva Shanker, and Rajesh Kumar, under the supervision of ACP R.G. Siva Maruthi.

Public Advisory:

Avoid responding to suspicious social media ads on OLX, Telegram, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, or Facebook.
Verify the authenticity of any seller before making payments.
Report suspicious transactions at once and dispute unauthorized charges with your bank.
Victims can dial 1930 or report online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.