The cyber cell’s Pratibimb unit has arrested three alleged fraudsters involved in an online scam that lured people with advertisements promising new credit cards and increased credit limits. The action was carried out on Tuesday. The accused were apprehended from a rented room in the Akatha area of Sarnath, where they had reportedly been operating their network for a considerable period.
Accused Identities and Background
The arrested individuals have been identified as Anish Verma, a resident of Ballia; Purushottam Kumar, a resident of Deoghar in Jharkhand; and Tuktuk Pandit. Preliminary investigation revealed that the two accused from Jharkhand had previously been involved in cyber fraud cases. For nearly one and a half years, the trio had been living in a rented accommodation in Varanasi and targeting victims through social media platforms.
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Modus Operandi: Fake Ads to Malicious APK
According to the police, the accused published attractive advertisements on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. These ads claimed that customers could obtain a credit card quickly through a simple process or increase the limit on their existing cards. A mobile number was provided in the advertisements, asking interested individuals to make contact.
When victims called the given number, the accused would answer the calls posing as employees of ICICI Bank. They spoke in a professional manner and used banking-related terminology to gain the trust of callers. During the conversation, they collected personal details such as name, address, mobile number, and bank account information.
After obtaining the information, the accused sent an APK file to victims via WhatsApp. The file displayed the name “ICICI Bank Credit Card,” leading people to believe it was an official application or document. In several instances, victims were instructed to download and install the file. Once installed, the malicious application allegedly gave the accused access to sensitive data stored on the victim’s mobile phone, including banking information. Using this access, they were able to siphon money from bank accounts or carry out unauthorized financial transactions.
Scale of Fraud and Seizures
Investigators further found that the accused enticed victims by promising instant approval, high credit limits, and minimal documentation. Many victims trusted the callers, assuming they were genuine bank representatives due to their convincing communication and the branding on the APK file.
Examination of the accused persons’ mobile phones and other digital devices, along with complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), revealed that the gang had targeted at least 56 individuals so far. The total amount allegedly defrauded exceeds ₹50 lakh. Authorities believe the actual number of victims could be higher, as not all affected individuals may have filed complaints.
During the raid, several mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices were seized from the accused. The confiscated items have been sent for forensic analysis to determine the extent of the network and whether additional individuals were involved in the operation.
Police Advisory
The investigation in the case is ongoing. Police have advised the public not to trust banking-related advertisements circulated on social media without proper verification. People have also been urged to avoid downloading suspicious links or APK files and to confirm any credit card offers directly through the official website or branch of the concerned bank before sharing personal or financial details.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
