Odisha police arrested 64-year-old Partha Sarathi Das on Monday for allegedly duping around 200 investors through a mobile application called “Huge App.” Each participant paid Rs 16,500 as a registration fee to join what authorities describe as a chain marketing scheme.
Investigators found that the app initially displayed small profits to lure participants into recruiting more users. Promises of “big incentives” and guaranteed returns, contingent on paying an annual maintenance fee of Rs 4,950, encouraged further investment. Within days, the app abruptly shut down, leaving investors unable to recover their money.
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Kerala Officers Targeted
Meanwhile, in Kollam district, Kerala, a cybercriminal impersonated the district police chief, Vishnu Pratap TK, via WhatsApp messages to local officers. Claiming an “urgent requirement,” the caller demanded Rs 40,000. Alert officers immediately informed senior authorities, and the fraudulent attempt was thwarted.
“These cases show that cybercriminals are no longer targeting only ordinary citizens,” said Professor Triveni Singh, former IPS officer and cybercrime expert. “Administrative systems are now at risk too.”
Psychological and Financial Tactics
Experts highlight two recurring patterns in these scams: the lure of quick profits and exploitation of institutional trust. “People invest without verifying credentials, while criminals misuse recognizable institutions to create a false sense of security,” Singh explained. “This combination fuels sophisticated cyber frauds that are both economic and psychological in nature.”
A Wider Digital Threat
In Odisha, many victims reported losing their lifelong savings, initially hoping for financial security for their families. “We thought it would secure our future,” one investor said. “But everything vanished in just a few days.”
As cybercrime evolves, experts stress the importance of vigilance, digital literacy, and prompt reporting to authorities. In India, scams now exploit both trust and greed, making public awareness as critical as technical safeguards.