Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj have arrested five members of an interstate cyber fraud gang allegedly involved in cheating people by offering fake legal assistance and other false promises. During the investigation, it was revealed that one of the accused allegedly posed as a lawyer and contacted Andhra Pradesh resident Ashok Reddy, promising help in a ₹50 lakh fraud case and allegedly cheated him of around ₹1 lakh.
According to police, the accused operated a network spread across multiple states and targeted victims through different fraudulent methods. After receiving a complaint, police initiated an investigation based on technical evidence, bank transaction details and digital records. The investigation helped identify the members of the gang, following which they were arrested.
Police said the accused used fake identities while approaching victims. They allegedly introduced themselves as lawyers or trustworthy individuals and assured people that they could help resolve legal issues. After gaining their confidence, the accused demanded money on the pretext of providing relief, settlement of cases or preventing legal complications.
Andhra Pradesh resident Ashok Reddy was allegedly targeted through a similar method. One of the accused reportedly contacted him while pretending to be a lawyer and assured him of assistance in a ₹50 lakh fraud case. After gaining his trust, the accused allegedly collected nearly ₹1 lakh from him through different excuses.
After receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to provide any assistance and started avoiding communication. The victim later realised that he had been cheated and approached the police. Following the complaint, investigators traced the accused and arrested them.
During the probe, police found that the gang members allegedly arranged bank accounts in the names of other individuals and used them for cybercrime-related transactions. The money received through fraudulent activities was reportedly withdrawn through ATMs and other channels. Police are now examining bank accounts, digital transactions, mobile numbers and details of other associates linked to the network.
Police officials said that further questioning of the arrested accused may reveal their involvement in additional cyber fraud cases. Investigators are also trying to determine how many people were targeted by the gang and where the cheated money was transferred.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), cybercriminals are increasingly using fake identities related to legal assistance, investments, employment, banking services and government schemes to target victims. In such frauds, criminals first gain the victim’s confidence and later use false promises of solving problems or providing relief to convince them to transfer money. FCRF advises people to verify the identity and claims of unknown individuals through official channels before making any payment.
Experts say people should remain cautious if anyone demands money through phone calls or online platforms in the name of legal help, case settlement or financial benefits. Any suspected cyber fraud or unauthorised transaction should be immediately reported to the 1930 cybercrime helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to improve the chances of stopping transactions and recovering lost funds.
