CHENNAI: A 35-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly cheating a 67-year-old fruit seller by using a toy currency note meant for children.

The accused, identified as Bakkialakshmi (35), a homemaker from Ernavur, reportedly handed over a fake Rs 500 note — resembling children’s toy money— to Jayalakshmi (67) of Ambattur, who has been selling mangoes at the Tiruvottiyur market on Vallalar Salai for the past 40 years.

According to police, she sold the accused Rs 150 worth of mangoes and also returned change for the fake note. The fraud came to light only after the victim realised she had been cheated and shared her ordeal with fellow traders.

The matter was later reported by local news media. Based on a formal complaint, the police registered a case. A special team led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police tracked down the accused with the help of CCTV footage. Bakkialakshmi was arrested from the Ernavur area.