A startling investigation by the Pimpri Chinchwad police has exposed a sophisticated new tactic used by international cybercriminals to recruit 'mule' bank account holders. The fraudsters are now enticing potential recruits with all-expenses-paid trips, including flight tickets and stays at lavish hotels, in exchange for access to their bank accounts.
The All-Expenses-Paid Trap
The probe, which focused on the online sale and purchase of bank accounts on social media platforms, uncovered that cyber racketeers are going to great lengths to gain trust. In one case, a cab driver from Pune received an airline ticket to Kolkata. Upon landing, he found a room booked for him at a three-star hotel. Similarly, a vegetable vendor from Pimpri Chinchwad was flown to Udaipur and accommodated at a resort.
These individuals had responded to deceptive advertisements on social media, promising high commissions for simply allowing the use of their bank accounts. Unbeknownst to them, their accounts were used to receive large sums of money swindled from victims of cybercrime, landing them in legal trouble.
Open Marketplace for Fraud on Social Media
Cyber investigators found that mule bank accounts, which form the backbone of online financial scams, are being openly traded on platforms like Facebook and Telegram. In one Facebook group, a user named 'Chen' posted, posing as a Chinese gaming company seeking Indian agents and account holders. The post included a 'rate card' listing commission percentages offered for accounts in various public and private sector banks.
Another post on a Telegram group explicitly stated, "Need corporate account for pure gaming work. No cyber issue, no complaint... We have a political fund also and give a good percentage." These groups serve as a direct bridge between transnational organized cybercriminals and individuals looking for quick money.
How the Scam Operates and the I4C Warning
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr. Shivaji Pawar explained the modus operandi. The criminals promise a commission of 2% to 5% on amounts deposited and persuade targets to open new savings or current accounts. After initial promises, they send air tickets to various Indian cities and book high-end hotels for the account holders to build rapport.
Once the mule account holder arrives, the fraudsters forcibly take possession of the complete bank account kit—including cheque books, ATM cards, online banking details, SIM cards linked to the accounts, and passbooks. These are then used to execute transactions for cyber crimes. The illicit money is either transferred to other accounts to be siphoned via cryptocurrency, or the mule is pressured to withdraw cash.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a stern advisory. It warns that transnational cybercriminals are creating illegal payment gateways using these mule accounts. These accounts are scouted primarily through Telegram and Facebook, belonging to individuals, shell companies, or small enterprises. Once flagged in an investigation, the accounts are frozen, and the holders face arrest and prosecution.
Police officials also cautioned that cyber criminals may ask for company registration certificates or Udyam Aadhaar certificates from small businesses to open mule accounts in the company's name. The Pimpri Chinchwad police have reiterated the I4C warning, urging citizens never to sell, rent, or share control of their bank accounts with anyone, regardless of the lucrative offers made.
