GUWAHATI: A Facebook Marketplace transaction ended in an alleged case of cheating after a Guwahati resident claimed he was duped into handing over his iPhone 16 Pro in exchange for a cheque that was later dishonoured due to insufficient funds. The incident reportedly took place on Monday, June 29.
According to an FIR lodged at Dispur Police Station, the complainant had listed his iPhone 16 Pro for sale on Facebook Marketplace when he was approached by the accused, identified as Testbor Thabah, a resident of Mawlong, Umsning in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district. The two allegedly agreed on a price of ₹69,000 and met in Guwahati to complete the transaction.
As per the complaint, the complainant handed over the mobile phone after receiving a cheque for the agreed amount. However, when the cheque was presented for clearance, it was returned unpaid by the bank due to insufficient balance in the accused's account.
The FIR further states that when the complainant contacted the accused about the bounced cheque, he allegedly assured him that he would travel from Shillong to Guwahati and settle the payment in cash. However, after around 5:30 PM that day, the accused's mobile phone was switched off and has remained unreachable since, prompting the complainant to approach the police.
Speaking to GPlus, officials at Dispur Police Station said, "The accused is from Meghalaya, so this case falls under their legal jurisdiction. We have forwarded the FIR to the Meghalaya Police for necessary action.
Police said the complaint has been transferred to the Meghalaya Police for further legal action, and the matter is under investigation.