Eight Students Caught in Rs 100 Million Online Scam in India

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Cheap Soft Drink Deals Turned into a Crore-Cutting Cyber Trap

In a shocking case of cybercrime, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat have busted an interstate fraud gang of eight students who allegedly used fake online advertisements to cheat traders out of more than ₹1 crore.

The Gang’s Modus Operandi

The gang, which operated from various cities, including Noida, posed as soft drink suppliers and promised unusually low prices to lure victims. According to investigators, the gang used the popular business listing platform Just Dial to post fraudulent advertisements offering bulk supplies of soft drinks at prices significantly lower than the market rate.

According to the police, “The gang members presented themselves as legitimate suppliers and built trust through convincing communication. However, once the deal was finalized, they demanded advance payments, which were usually made via bank transfers or online payment systems.”

The Victims’ Losses

Traders or customers who contacted the numbers listed were convinced by the gang members, but once the deal was finalized, the gang members disappeared, switching off their phones and cutting all contact with the victims. The case came to light after a complaint was filed by a trader, Sandeep Agarwal, who lost ₹2.15 lakh to the gang. Further investigation revealed that around 20 similar complaints had been filed against the gang, indicating a larger organized setup.

The Investigation

During the investigation, police discovered that the gang used digital tracking and complaint records to operate. They also found evidence of the gang’s use of multiple SIM cards and laptops to coordinate the fraud and create fake identities. A search operation led to the recovery of a pistol, a country-made firearm, two cartridges, a car, 11 mobile phones, four laptops, 24 SIM cards, a tablet, and two ATM cards.

The authorities believe that the gang had been operating for nearly a year and had used the money obtained through fraud to fund their lifestyles, including expensive gadgets, vehicles, and personal expenses. The arrested individuals have been produced before a court, and further legal proceedings are underway. Police teams are working to uncover the full extent of the network, including financial trails and possible links to other cybercrime groups.