Cyber Crime
Scammers Offering Fake McDonald’s, KFC Franchises Busted By Uttarkhand Police
DEHRADUN: Beware! If you are looking for a franchise of popular restaurants like McDonald’s and KFC as cybercriminals are looking for you. A notorious gang operating across India has been busted by the Uttarakhand Cybercrime Police for cheating people looking for franchises of popular restaurants.
Under this scam gang’s created fake websites and impersonated restaurant employees to swindle victims out of lakhs of rupees.
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The modus operandi came to light after a Dehradun resident, searching online for KFC franchise information, was directed to a fraudulent website. Through email communication disguised as official KFC inquiries, the gang swindled the victim of over Rs. 24 lakhs under the pretext of securing a franchise.
Based on the complaint, the Dehradun Cybercrime Police registered a case under IPC sections 420 (cheating), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 66D of the IT Act. Inspector Tribhuvan Rautela led the investigation, uncovering the gang’s wider operations across various states.
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Unearthing a Multi-State Network:
Investigation revealed the gang’s involvement in similar scams across India, with complaints and fake website links emerging from various states. To arrest the perpetrators, Senior Superintendent of Police STF formed a dedicated team under Inspector Rautela’s leadership.
Inter-State Collaboration Leads to Capture:
The team conducted raids across the country, eventually tracing the accused to Chhattisgarh, where they were already arrested in a separate case.
Both Suraj Kumar (24) and his father Rampravesh Prasad (55), residents of Bihar, were found incarcerated in Durg Central Jail.
Justice Served in Dehradun:
Dehradun Police brought them back from Chhattisgarh and secured judicial custody remand. Both accused are now lodged in District Jail, Dehradun, facing charges for their fraudulent activities.
Criminal History of the Accused
Suraj Kumar has a prior criminal record, facing charges under IPC sections 420, 120B, and 66D of the IT Act in a case registered at Challani Police Station, Cyber Crime Dehradun. Rampravesh Prasad also faces similar charges in a case registered at Challani Police Station, Supela, District Durg, Chhattisgarh.
This case highlights the growing threat of online scams and the importance of cybercrime awareness. By staying informed and reporting suspicious activity promptly, individuals can help curb the activities of such criminal gangs.
The Dehradun KFC franchise scam is an eye-opener regarding several investment frauds. Here are some cybersecurity tips to stay safe from similar scams:
Before You Invest:
- Verify the source: Always double-check the official website addresses and contact information of franchises. Look for trusted sources like company press releases or verified social media pages.
- Beware of unsolicited offers: If you’re contacted out of the blue about a franchise opportunity, especially through email or phone calls, approach it with caution. Legitimate franchises rarely resort to unsolicited marketing.
- Research and compare: Don’t rush into decisions. Research the franchise thoroughly, including their reputation, franchise fees, and required qualifications. Compare information from multiple sources before committing.
Protecting Your Information:
- Beware of fake websites: Look for red flags like unusual domain names, typos, or unprofessional design. Check for HTTPS encryption and valid security certificates.
- Never share personal information: Don’t share sensitive details like bank account numbers, passwords, or government IDs over email or unencrypted channels. Legitimate franchises won’t ask for such information upfront.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA): Create complex passwords for your online accounts and enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.