CyberFraud – Delhi Police Bust Interstate Gang Behind Fake Gas Alert Scam
CyberFraud – A major cyber fraud racket has been uncovered after Delhi Police arrested four suspects allegedly involved in sending fake gas service alerts to deceive people into installing malicious mobile applications, resulting in unauthorized bank transactions and financial losses.
Authorities said the investigation began after a woman reported receiving a text message warning that her domestic gas connection would soon be disconnected unless immediate action was taken. The message instructed her to contact a mobile number for assistance, creating a sense of urgency that ultimately led to the cybercrime.
Victim Tricked Into Installing Malicious Application
According to investigators, when the woman called the number mentioned in the message, the callers convinced her to download and install an APK file through a messaging platform. Police said the application secretly allowed the fraudsters to gain control of important functions on her smartphone, giving them access to sensitive financial information.
Once the application was installed, the accused allegedly carried out multiple unauthorized transactions using the victim’s bank account and credit card. Officials said approximately Rs 2.64 lakh was withdrawn before the victim realized she had fallen victim to an online scam.
Money Quickly Converted Into Expensive Purchases
During the investigation, police found that the stolen money had been rapidly converted into valuable goods, including premium smartphones, gift cards, and other costly items. Investigators believe this method was used to make it more difficult to trace the movement of the stolen funds.
Technical analysis helped officers identify two smartphones that had been purchased using the victim’s credit card. The devices were reportedly delivered to a fake address in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, providing investigators with an important lead in the case.
Shop Employee Allegedly Helped Fraud Network
Further inquiries led police to a salesperson working at a mobile shop in Shaheen Bagh. Officials alleged that the employee accepted parcels on behalf of the cybercrime syndicate and later arranged for them to be forwarded to Kolkata in return for financial commission.
Investigators examined the employee’s mobile phone and reportedly discovered conversations with other members of the suspected fraud network. Police also seized gold coins that had allegedly been purchased through online platforms using illegally obtained funds.
Arrests Made Across Multiple States
The investigation eventually expanded beyond Delhi, leading officers to conduct operations in both Jharkhand and West Bengal. One of the accused, identified as Md Sahil, 28, was apprehended while allegedly receiving a parcel at the Khidderpore Hub in Kolkata.
Police confirmed that four people have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Officials believe the group operated across state borders and may have targeted several victims using similar fake gas disconnection messages designed to install harmful mobile applications.
Investigation Continues
Delhi Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify additional members of the alleged cyber fraud network and determine whether more people were affected through the same scheme. Authorities are also examining digital evidence recovered during the operation to trace the complete financial trail and uncover the full extent of the racket.
Officials have once again urged citizens to remain cautious while responding to unexpected messages requesting software installation or personal financial information. They advised users to verify service-related communications through official channels and avoid downloading applications received from unknown contacts.