Three Individuals Arrested for Credit Card Advertisement Scam and Identity Theft
Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Credit Card Scam Operation
A recent crackdown by the cyber cell’s Pratibimb unit has led to the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in a large-scale online scam.
The Scam Operation
The operation, which promised unsuspecting victims new credit cards and increased credit limits, was carried out through fake advertisements on social media platforms.
The accused, identified as Anish Verma, Purushottam Kumar, and Tuktuk Pandit, were taken into custody from a rented room in the Akatha area of Sarnath.
According to preliminary investigations, the trio had been operating their network from this location for an extended period.
Notably, two of the accused had previous involvement in cyber fraud cases.
How the Scam Worked
The scam operation involved publishing attractive advertisements on platforms such as Instagram and X, claiming that customers could quickly obtain a credit card or increase their existing credit limits through a simple process.
Interested individuals were asked to contact a provided mobile number, which was answered by the accused posing as ICICI Bank employees.
Using professional banking terminology, the scammers gained the trust of their victims and collected personal details, including names, addresses, mobile numbers, and bank account information.
The scammers then sent an APK file to their victims, disguised as an official ICICI Bank application.
In some cases, victims were instructed to download and install the file, which was designed to compromise their devices.
The promise of instant approval, high credit limits, and minimal documentation led many victims to trust the scammers, who were able to convincingly pose as genuine bank representatives.
Investigation and Arrests
The cyber cell’s investigation revealed that the accused had been operating their scam for nearly one and a half years, targeting victims through social media platforms.
During the raid, several mobile phones, SIM cards, and digital devices were seized, which have been sent for forensic analysis to determine the extent of the network and potential involvement of additional individuals.
Warning to the Public
The police have advised the public to exercise caution when encountering banking-related advertisements on social media, emphasizing the importance of proper verification before engaging with such offers.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement urges individuals to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to similar scams.
Conclusion
The scale of the fraud and seizures is still being determined, but the arrests mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
The case highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in preventing and investigating online scams.
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