Meerut | Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut have uncovered a cyber fraud racket that allegedly targeted traders across multiple states by using social media platforms and fake business identities. Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the case, while a third associate remains absconding. Investigators say the accused posed as carpet sellers on Facebook, attracted customers with lucrative offers, collected advance payments, and then disappeared without delivering the goods.
According to police, the arrested accused have been identified as Hafiz Aman and his brother Faizan, both residents of the Samar Garden locality in Meerut’s Lisari Gate area. A third accused, Akram, is also believed to be part of the network and is currently being traced by investigators.
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Authorities said that a total of 20 complaints linked to the accused have been registered from different parts of the country. Victims are reported to be from Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, and several cities in Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary findings suggest that the gang allegedly cheated victims of nearly ₹10 lakh over the past year.
Police recovered three mobile phones, four SIM cards, ₹2,000 in cash, and several fake business visiting cards bearing the names of different companies. Investigators believe the seized digital devices could provide crucial evidence regarding the operation of the network and help identify additional victims.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to operating Facebook pages that promoted carpet sales. These pages displayed photographs of carpets along with fabricated visiting cards and business details designed to create the impression of a legitimate commercial enterprise.
Investigators found that the gang advertised carpets at prices nearly 50 percent lower than prevailing market rates. They also promoted limited-period offers, special discount schemes, and promises of quick delivery to attract potential buyers. The unusually low prices and attractive deals reportedly convinced many traders and customers to place orders.
Once an order was confirmed, the accused allegedly demanded an advance payment ranging from 10 to 25 percent of the total invoice value through online transactions. After receiving the money, customers were assured that the products would be delivered within a week. However, once the promised delivery period expired, victims were unable to contact the sellers, and no goods were supplied.
Police said the accused typically shut down their mobile numbers and stopped using the bank accounts associated with the transactions after receiving advance payments. This made it difficult for victims to trace them or recover their money. Investigators have determined that the entire operation was run primarily through mobile phones, social media platforms, and online banking channels.
Officials stated that the highest number of alleged fraud incidents linked to the gang were reported from Bihar, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. Given the growing scale of cyber-enabled financial crimes, investigators are now conducting a detailed examination of the accused persons’ banking transactions, digital footprints, and social media activities.
Authorities are also exploring whether the suspects were connected to a larger organized cybercrime network operating across multiple states. Financial records, communication data, and online account activity are being analyzed to establish the full extent of the operation and identify any additional accomplices.
Cybersecurity experts note that fraudsters increasingly exploit social media platforms by creating fake business profiles and offering products at unrealistically low prices. They advise consumers and traders to verify a seller’s credentials, business registration details, customer reviews, and contact information before making any advance payments.
Police said legal proceedings against the arrested accused are underway, while efforts to apprehend the absconding suspect have been intensified. Investigators believe further questioning and digital forensic analysis could lead to additional revelations about the network’s operations, financial transactions, and potential involvement in other cyber fraud cases across the country.
