Cyber Crime
Delhi Cyber Police Busts Fraud Ring Exploiting Work-From-Home Aspirations
NEW DELHI: The Cyber Police Station in Delhi has successfully dismantled an international syndicate exploiting individuals seeking work-from-home opportunities. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the freezing of 32 accounts, uncovering a deceitful network preying on unsuspecting Indian citizens.
Initial Complaint and Scheme Unraveling
The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by Prince Gautam from Sultanpuri, Delhi. Gautam reported receiving enticing online messages via WhatsApp and Telegram, offering easy earnings for simple tasks like subscribing to YouTube videos or pages. The scammers prompted Gautam to register on a website, promising lucrative returns for online tasks.
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Initially, Gautam profited from commissions, but as the scheme progressed, he was coerced into depositing money into an online wallet connected to the website for further tasks. When attempting to withdraw funds, he discovered his account had been frozen. This led to multiple transactions resulting in a loss of Rs 4.87 Lakh. Subsequently, an FIR (No. 0099/2023) was registered on 08.11.2023, marking the beginning of a thorough investigation.
Swift Investigation and Arrests
Following the registration of the case, a dedicated police team led by Inspector Sandeep Panwar from the Cyber Police Station, Outer District, initiated a comprehensive investigation. By analyzing transaction details, authorities traced a significant portion of the defrauded amount to a PNB account under the name “GREAT DEALS TRADING COMPANY.”
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Through meticulous technical analysis, the police located a suspect, Nirmal Vijay, in Delhi. Vijay revealed that he had opened multiple accounts across different banks, subsequently divulging information leading to the arrest of Mosin @ Wasim. This chain ultimately led to the apprehension of Javed Chanda in Lunawada, Gujarat, on December 31, along with the recovery of mobiles, laptops, and a substantial amount of cash.
Revealing the Modus Operandi
Investigations unveiled the syndicate’s modus operandi. The accused created fake accounts, then distributed them to clients across India and beyond, enticing unsuspecting individuals nationwide with promises of extra income through work-from-home opportunities. The perpetrators also had connections with individuals from China, granting them control over these fabricated accounts.
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Profiles of the Accused and Recovered Items
The arrested individuals include Nirmal Vijay from Ahmedabad, Mosin @ Wasim from Nagaur, Rajasthan, and Javed Chanda from Lunawada, Gujarat. The recovered items from the accused include 11 mobile phones, two laptops, a POS swipe machine, five debit cards, eight cheque books, and a sum of Rs. 1.80 Lakhs along with 650 AED.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into this intricate scam continues, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.
This recent crackdown by the Cyber Police Station reflects a determined effort to safeguard citizens against fraudulent schemes and underscores the importance of vigilance in navigating online opportunities.
TIPS TO STAY SAFE FROM WORK FROM HOME SCAM
- Research Thoroughly: Check the legitimacy of work-from-home opportunities before committing.
- Avoid Unrealistic Promises: Be cautious of offers promising high returns with minimal effort.
- Verify Websites and Links: Ensure website security before sharing personal information.
- Protect Personal Data: Avoid sharing sensitive information online, especially in response to unsolicited messages.
- Stay Informed: Be aware of common online scams and their warning signs.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Trust Secure Payment Methods: Stick to trusted payment options for online transactions.
- Beware of Pressure Tactics: Avoid rushed decisions or payments pushed by high-pressure tactics.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected fraud immediately to prevent others from falling victim.
- Educate Others: Share knowledge about scams to help protect your community.