Varanasi/Mau: In a major breakthrough, police have busted an inter-state cyber fraud gang that impersonated senior education department officials, including a fake Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), to extort money from school teachers by threatening transfers and disciplinary action. Two accused have been arrested, while one key member remains absconding.
According to investigators, the arrested individuals are residents of Bareilly district and were operating a coordinated racket across multiple states. The gang allegedly targeted teachers after collecting their personal and professional details from internet sources, complaints databases, and local contacts.
Fake transfer threats are used as a weapon
In one reported case, a woman teacher was contacted by the accused, who falsely claimed that her transfer was already in process. He told her that the transfer could be stopped only if she paid ₹50,000 immediately. Under pressure and fear, the victim transferred the amount via an online payment service. The call was disconnected soon after, and she later realized she had been cheated.
90 teachers targeted, ₹1,50,00,000–₹2,00,00,000 siphoned off
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the gang may have cheated around 90 teachers, with total illicit gains estimated between ₹1,50,00,000 and ₹2,00,00,000. Officials said the accused systematically shortlisted victims by tracking educational records, transfer lists, and grievance-related data available online.
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Systematic modus operandi
Police officials stated that the gang followed a structured pattern. Initially, they collected mobile numbers of teachers through local intermediaries such as village representatives or online directories. After this, they posed as senior education officials, creating urgency and fear by citing fake transfer orders or inquiry notices.
Once panic was created, victims were pressured into making immediate payments. The gang preferred digital payment modes, especially QR codes and scanner-based transactions, to quickly move funds and avoid detection.
Money routed through mule accounts
Investigations further revealed that the extorted funds were transferred into multiple bank accounts and withdrawn rapidly via ATM cards and other channels. The funds were then distributed among gang members. Authorities suspect the involvement of a wider interstate network, as similar cases linked to the accused have surfaced in other states.
During the operation, police recovered several documents belonging to teachers, bank passbooks, ATM cards, and mobile phones containing sensitive data used for targeting victims.
Arrests and ongoing search operation
Both accused were taken into custody from their residences after coordinated raids. During interrogation, they reportedly disclosed details of their network, methods of operation, and digital tools used in the fraud. Police are now conducting raids to trace the absconding associate and identify other members of the syndicate.
Officials said digital forensic analysis is underway to map financial transactions and communication records linked to the case.
Experts warn of rising cyber intimidation scams
Cybersecurity experts have warned that such frauds rely heavily on psychological pressure. By impersonating government officials and creating fear of job-related consequences, scammers manipulate victims into acting without verification.
Authorities have emphasised that cases of cyber fraud are increasing rapidly, particularly those involving the impersonation of government departments. Strengthening awareness and verification mechanisms is now considered essential to prevent such crimes.
Public advisory issued
Police and cyber experts have advised citizens, especially government employees, to verify any call claiming administrative action such as transfer, suspension, or inquiry. No immediate payment should be made under pressure. Officials also urged people not to share OTPs, bank details, or scan unknown QR codes. Citizens have been encouraged to report suspicious calls immediately to cybercrime helplines and local police units.
Investigation continues
Officials said the gang used mule bank accounts and digital payment channels to quickly move money, making it difficult to trace initially. However, ongoing financial tracking and device analysis are expected to reveal more links in the network.
