The Indian government has taken decisive action against online fraud by blocking 100 websites involved in organized investment and task-based economic scams. These illicit platforms, identified by the National Cybercrime Threat Analysis Unit (NCTAU) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), were found to be facilitating fraudulent activities operated by overseas actors.
Under the powers vested by the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) executed the block on these websites following recommendations from the NCTAU. These platforms were reported to enable illegal investment-related economic crimes and were allegedly utilized by overseas actors through digital advertising, chat messengers, and rented accounts.
The MHA revealed that these fraudulent activities involved laundering proceeds out of India using various means such as card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international fintech companies. Numerous complaints regarding these scams were lodged through the 1930 helpline and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
According to the ministry, these offenses posed significant threats to citizens and raised concerns regarding data security. The scams typically began with targeted digital advertisements on major platforms like Google and Meta, using keywords like “Ghar baithe job (Jobs while sitting at home)” and “Ghar baithe kamai kaise karen (how to earn money while sitting at home)” in multiple languages, specifically targeting retired employees, women, and unemployed youths seeking part-time work.
Upon clicking these ads, individuals were engaged by agents using WhatsApp or Telegram, convincing them to complete simple tasks like ‘video likes,’ subscriptions, and map ratings. Victims were initially rewarded with a commission but were then coerced to invest more for higher returns. Unfortunately, once larger sums were deposited, the funds were frozen, resulting in the victims being deceived.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, stating that it remains a top priority. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed a commitment to combatting cybercrime and safeguarding citizens from cyber threats. Additionally, citizens were urged to promptly report phone numbers and social media handles used by such fraudsters to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
The government’s proactive measures to curb these fraudulent activities underscore the commitment to ensuring a safer online environment for all citizens.
Sources By Agencies
