In a significant breakthrough against digital financial fraud, Chandigarh Police have apprehended two individuals allegedly involved in an elaborate job-cum-investment scam that cheated victims of approximately ₹9.03 lakh.
The Modus Operandi
The accused, identified as Sahil and Sahil Verma, operated a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted job seekers and investors through multiple deceptive approaches:
- Creating fake profiles on popular social media platforms
- Offering fraudulent part-time job opportunities
- Promising unrealistically high returns on small investments
- Using psychological manipulation to extract increasing amounts of money
How the Scam Unfolded
The investigation revealed that the fraudsters initially contacted victims through Instagram and WhatsApp, presenting themselves as representatives of legitimate companies. They offered simple tasks like video liking and subscription services, initially paying small amounts to build trust.
"The accused would first gain the victims' confidence by paying them nominal amounts for completing small tasks," explained a police official involved in the case. "Once trust was established, they would persuade victims to invest larger sums with promises of substantial returns."
Police Action and Recovery
The Cyber Crime Police Station in Sector 17 launched an investigation following multiple complaints from victims who had lost significant amounts of money. The police team successfully tracked the digital trail and identified the accused.
During the arrests, authorities seized crucial evidence including mobile phones, SIM cards, and multiple bank accounts used in the fraudulent operations. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to cheating and criminal conspiracy.
Protecting Yourself from Similar Frauds
- Verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities through official channels
- Be skeptical of offers promising unusually high returns
- Avoid sharing personal and financial information with unverified contacts
- Research companies and individuals before making any investments
- Report suspicious activities to cyber crime authorities immediately
The Chandigarh Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such online frauds and have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify any other individuals involved in this scam network.
