The Bengal Police have initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign following reports of a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate targeting the state's newly introduced 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme. Fraudsters are using fake websites and deceptive digital forms to harvest personal data and siphon funds from unsuspecting citizens, particularly women in rural districts, police have warned.
How the Scam Operates
The scam surfaced shortly after the change in state government, as criminals sought to exploit public interest in the new welfare initiative. According to senior officials, several residents in districts like Purba Bardhaman have already fallen victim to these traps. The fraudsters created highly convincing 'mirror' websites that appear to be official government portals. Victims were lured into entering sensitive details, including bank account numbers and mobile numbers, under the guise of registering for the scheme's benefits.
Police Advisory and Red Flags
In response to the rising number of complaints, the Bengal Police issued a stern advisory to the public. 'No official website or online form has been launched for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme yet. Citizens are cautioned not to fill out any forms found through Google searches or unverified social media links,' a spokesperson for the Bengal Police stated. Police have outlined a set of 'red flags' to prevent further victimisation. Authorities emphasised that residents must never share their OTPs or bank credentials on unfamiliar platforms. Furthermore, the public is advised to ignore unsolicited SMS, WhatsApp, or Facebook messages promising expedited enrolment in the scheme.
Official Statements and Investigation
Arka Bandyopadhyay, additional superintendent of police, addressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the absence of an official application window provided a vacuum for criminals to operate. 'Fraudsters have taken advantage of this transition period to deceive people by obtaining confidential information. The government always issues formal notifications through state-run channels before launching such digital interfaces,' Bandyopadhyay said. He added that the alert was issued statewide to ensure that the deception does not spread to other districts. The Bengal Police are currently working to trace the IP addresses and bank accounts linked to the fraudulent websites. Citizens who have already shared their information or lost money are urged to report the incident immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
As the investigation continues, the state administration maintains that all legitimate welfare applications will be handled through designated government offices or verified 'Duare Sarkar' camps, and never through anonymous third-party links.
