OLX Scam: ₹1,500 for One SIM? The Shocking Tactics of a 23-Year-Old Fraudster Exposed

Imagine paying ₹1,500 for a mobile SIM card that actually costs just ₹50. Why would anyone do that? For 23-year-old Ajit Kumar, this wasn’t an error—it was a calculated business expense to stay invisible.

The Andhra Pradesh Cyber Police recently cracked a massive interstate fraud case that sounds like a movie script. From luxury lifestyles to high-stakes casino gambling, this young man managed to swindle nearly ₹3 Crores from innocent people across four southern states.

If you use OLX or deal in online business, this story is a wake-up call. You will learn how these scammers bypass police tracking and what you must do to keep your bank account safe.

1. What is the Update?

The Andhra Pradesh Cyber Police have arrested Komudu Ajit Kumar, a resident of Nagnagudem, Eluru district. While he appeared to be a young entrepreneur, he was actually the mastermind behind a massive scam spanning Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

He operated under a fake company named ‘Sri Sai Granites and Exports’ in Ongole. Using this front, he lured granite traders and OLX users into a trap that eventually led to his downfall after 32 registered cases.

2. Who Will Benefit from This News?

• OLX Users: People looking to buy or sell second-hand goods.

• Granite Traders: Business owners who deal with bulk supplies.

• Common Citizens: Anyone who shares ID proofs with strangers or cab drivers.

• Online Buyers: People who trust “too-good-to-be-true” deals on social media.

3. Key Highlights of the Scam

• The SIM Card Strategy: Ajit bought bulk SIM cards from Haryana, paying ₹1,500 each to ensure they weren’t linked to him.

• The “One-Time” Rule: He never used the same SIM or bank account for two different crimes.

• Massive Loot: He allegedly scammed victims of approximately ₹3 Crores.

• Interstate Reach: 32 cases filed across 4 different states.

• The Motive: The money was blown on online cricket betting and luxury casinos.

4. Eligibility for Fraud (Who are the Targets?)

Scammers like Ajit Kumar look for specific traits in their victims:

• People looking for heavy discounts on OLX.

• Traders willing to pay large “advance” amounts without physical verification.

• Individuals who easily share their Aadhaar cards with service providers like cab drivers.

5. Important Dates and Timeline

• Origin: The scam started after the suspect moved to Ongole following his father’s demise.

• The Peak: Over the last few months, he intensified operations on OLX.

• The Arrest: March 2026 (Recent police action following a series of complaints in Eluru and Ongole).

6. Step-by-Step Process of the Fraud

1. Setting the Trap: Ajit created fake listings on OLX for high-value items at very low prices.

2. Building Trust: For granite traders, he set up a fake office and sent professional-looking quotes.

3. The Advance Request: Once the victim was interested, he demanded an “advance” or “transportation fee.”

4. The Vanishing Act: As soon as the money hit his “disposable” bank account, he switched off the SIM card and threw it away.

5. Money Laundering: The funds were immediately moved to betting apps or withdrawn.

7. Documents Required (How He Used Yours)

The suspect didn’t use his own documents. Instead, he used:

• Cab Drivers’ Aadhaar Cards: He would befriended cab drivers during his travels, offered them small cash, and used their IDs to open bank accounts.

• Fake Business Licenses: Used to create the ‘Sri Sai Granites’ persona.

• Third-party SIMs: Procured from black markets in North India.

8. Important Government & Police Instructions

The AP Police have issued a High Alert for digital users:

• Verification First: Never send money to an OLX seller before seeing the product in person.

• ID Safety: Do not give your Aadhaar or PAN card copies to strangers, especially drivers or temporary helpers.

• Report Fast: If scammed, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 immediately.

9. Expert Advice to Stay Safe

According to cyber experts, the “Golden Rule” of the internet is: If the price is too low, the risk is too high. * Always use the “Check My SIM” portal (TAFCOP) to see how many numbers are linked to your Aadhaar.

• Avoid “Advance Payment” requests for courier or gate passes on OLX.

• Verify business GST numbers on the official portal before transferring bulk amounts.

10. Conclusion

The arrest of Ajit Kumar exposes the dark side of digital anonymity. While technology makes our lives easier, it also provides tools for criminals to hide. By paying 30 times the price for a SIM card, this fraudster managed to stay ahead of the law for 32 cases. Stay alert, keep your documents private, and never let greed cloud your judgment during online transactions.

11. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How did the scammer avoid getting caught for so long? A1: He used a “Burner” strategy. He bought expensive untraceable SIM cards for ₹1,500 and used a new bank account for every single crime, making it impossible for police to link the cases initially.

Q2: What should I do if I find a cheap deal on OLX? A2: Always meet the seller in a public place. Never pay any “token” or “advance” money online before physically inspecting the item.

Q3: Can I get my money back if I am scammed? A3: If you report the fraud within the first 2 hours (the “Golden Hour”) to 1930 or the Cyber Crime portal, there is a higher chance of freezing the money in the scammer’s account.

Q4: How did he get SIM cards in other people’s names? A4: He targeted innocent people like cab drivers, offering them small amounts of money in exchange for their Aadhaar details to “help him get a connection.”

Q5: Is OLX unsafe to use now? A5: No, the platform itself is a tool. However, users must be cautious. Scammers are everywhere; your safety depends on your alertness.

Read more:- https://freshrise.in/google-internship-2026-summer-fellowship-10-lakh-stipend/

link:- https://kapublic.com/dina-bhavishya-march-13-2026-rashifal-kannada/#more-1059

Lakshmishree D N

The Founder of Fresh Rise and a global educator, a digital news platform focused on delivering clear, verified, and meaningful stories that matter to everyday readers. I write about current affairs, government schemes, education, social issues, and global developments, presenting complex topics in a simple and easy-to-understand format.
With a background in teaching and content creation, I believes that information should be accessible to everyone. Through Fresh Rise, i aim to help readers stay informed with factual reporting, practical insights, and timely updates.