Achive.php February 18, 2025 - The Cyber Shark
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Archives for February 18, 2025

Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam, 46 arrested in statewide crackdown

Bengal Police

Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam The West Bengal Police, in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW), conducted multiple raids across various locations, leading to the arrest of 46 individuals involved in financial scams and cyber fraud. The 15-day-long operation targeted cybercriminal networks operating along the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. Cyber Shakti Operation is launched in West Bengal to curb cyber crime under the leadership of DIG Cyber Crime West Bengal Amitkumar Rathod. Targeted Raids and Key Locations Recognizing Jamtara as a cybercrime hub, the first raid was carried out in Khoyrasol, Birbhum, followed by operations in Chandannagar, ADPC, Purba Burdwan, and Hooghly. These raids focused on dismantling networks engaged in online financial scams, digital extortion, fake SIM card trading, and other cyber frauds. Seized Items and Fraudulent Activities During the operation, authorities seized: Rs 4,50,000 in cash 84 SIM cards 84 mobile phones 19 debit cards 02 laptops 29 bank accounts linked to fraud cases The arrested individuals were part of organized cybercrime networks defrauding victims through fake investment schemes, OTP frauds, sextortion, online job scams, gas subsidy frauds, UPI frauds, and digital impersonation. Ongoing Investigation and Commitment to Justice The Bengal Police arrested suspects are in custody, and investigations continue to uncover additional perpetrators and dismantle the larger cyber fraud nexus. This operation underscores West Bengal Police’s commitment to curbing cybercrime and protecting citizens from digital fraud.

Mira Bhayandar: MBVV Police Recover ₹3.54 Lakh Lost To Cyber Frauds

MBVV police

In the first case, the  MBVV police cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. Officials from the cyber cell attached to the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar MBVV police successfully managed to make collective reversals amounting to more than Rs 3.54 lakh which three people had lost to online frauds. In the first case, the cyber cell received a complaint from a resident that he had fallen prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals who posed as representatives of a banking institution and cheated him of Rs 72,511 under the guise of helping him clear obstacles he was facing while using his credit card. While the second complainant identified as Mr. Chauhan lost more than Rs 1.47 lakh after he clicked a malicious link sent by the cybercrooks, another person Shashi Pal was cheated of more than Rs 1.35 lakh with a lure of earning money by participating in online tasks including posting likes, reviews on YouTube videos and online rating to hotels/movies. Immediately after receiving the complaints, personnel from the cyber cell led by police inspector Sujitkumar Gunjkar started investigations and identified the bank accounts and e-commerce shopping portals in which the ill-gotten wealth had been parked. After continuous follow-ups with the concerned banks and the gateway of the digital platform that provided payment solutions, they managed to freeze Rs 72,511 and Rs 1.47 lakh respectively. The amount was reversed to the bank accounts of the complainants’ account following orders from the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Thane. The MBVV police cyber cell handed over symbolic cheques to the complainants confirming the reversals. With the latest recoveries, the MBVV police have managed to revert more than Rs.1 crore lost by complainants in various cases of cyber-frauds in the past couple of months. Stressing the need to be careful while dealing with unknown callers/senders and to lodge complaints as soon as possible (Golden Hour), MBVV police commissioner Madhukar Pandey said that people can contact the local police stations or directly approach or call the cybercrime cell on 1930 with an additional option of reporting online frauds through email at www.cybercrime.gov.in or on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP)

Coimbatore doctor cheated of ₹15 lahks in online trading scam

Coimbatore doctor

A Coimbatore doctor lost ₹15.50 lakh in a cyber scam after clicking a YouTube link. He was lured into a WhatsApp group with fraudulent trading tips and installed a deceptive app. Investigations are ongoing, highlighting the need for public vigilance against online investment fraud. A doctor from Coimbatore doctor has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing a staggering ₹15.50 lakh after clicking on a seemingly harmless YouTube link between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraud highlights the growing menace of online investment traps. Dr Karthik, an active stock market investor with a Demat account, was browsing investment-related content on YouTube when he stumbled upon a link promising exclusive trading insights. Upon clicking it, he was unwittingly added to a WhatsApp group named “49 Upstocks Wealth Group,” where supposed trading experts shared lucrative stock market tips, the publication added. According to the report, Coimbatore doctor Dr Karthik was persuaded by the group’s seemingly credible discussions and expressed interest in their investment scheme. Subsequently, the fraudsters instructed the Coimbatore doctor to download a trading application called “UP Institutions” via a link provided by the group. Trusting the group’s recommendations, the Coimbatore doctor installed the app on 31 December 2024 and, over the following weeks, transferred a total of ₹15.50 lakh in nine instalments Reportedly, the app initially displayed an impressive balance of ₹25.86 lakh, leading Dr Karthik to believe his investments were flourishing. However, his confidence quickly crumbled when he attempted to withdraw his earnings, only to find himself locked out of the platform. It was then that he realised he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam. Upon complaining, the cybercrime police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are now underway to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost funds. Authorities continue to warn the public against such deceptive schemes. If you receive unsolicited investment links or are added to suspicious WhatsApp groups, it is advisable to report and block them immediately. In the unfortunate event of falling victim to such a scam, swift action by reporting to the police can increase the chances of tracking transactions and reclaiming lost money. Online investment scams are on the rise, and vigilance remains the best defence against financial fraud. Always verify the authenticity of trading platforms and refrain from making transactions based on unsolicited advice from unknown sources.