Ghaziabad police have arrested seven people in an alleged ₹40 lakh insurance fraud involving fake online advertisements.
How Did the Gang Target Policyholders?
Ghaziabad police have arrested seven people accused of cheating insurance policyholders by promising discounts on policy renewals and premium payments. According to police, the suspects used Google advertisements and fake email identities resembling those of insurance companies to approach potential victims.
People responding to the advertisements were contacted through the mobile numbers provided. They were persuaded to transfer money into bank accounts controlled by the alleged fraudsters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Belwant Kumar Chaudhary said the gang had allegedly cheated victims of approximately ₹40 lakh over the past four months. The alleged mastermind, Deepak Khanna alias DJ, remains absconding.
FCRF Launches CP-FRM to Build India’s Next Generation of Fraud Risk Professionals
How Were Fake Insurance Documents Used?
Police said the accused prepared counterfeit insurance certificates using photo-editing software and sent them to victims through email. The documents were intended to convince policyholders that their insurance policies had been renewed successfully.
Investigators said the suspects also used fake email addresses and advertisements prepared under the name of an insurance-related organisation, Tata AIG Insurance. Victims reportedly discovered the deception only later, when they realised that their policies had not actually been renewed.
What Did Police Discover About the Network?
Investigators found that the alleged mastermind, Deepak Khanna, had met Rahul in Dasna jail. Police believe other people who had previously worked in call centres subsequently joined the operation. Vikram alias Vicky allegedly arranged bank accounts used to receive fraudulent payments. Police said he and associated account holders received a five per cent commission.
Seven suspects were arrested: Neeraj Bhati, Neeraj Solanki, Vikram Singh, Nitin, Sushil Kumar, Vikrant Singh and Rahul Kumar.
Police recovered four mobile phones, two ATM or debit cards, two chequebooks, a passbook and ₹3,000 in cash.
What Is the Status of the Investigation?
Police said complaints linked to the operation had been received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal from several states, including Kerala and Jharkhand.
Investigators are examining bank accounts and digital evidence to establish the movement of money and identify additional participants. The search for Deepak Khanna is continuing.
Police have advised policyholders to verify renewal offers through official insurance company websites or customer service channels before transferring money. They also warned against trusting unfamiliar numbers advertising premium discounts.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
