The Indian government has taken decisive action by blocking over 100 websites implicated in facilitating organized illegal investments linked to economic crimes and part-time job frauds. Overseas actors predominantly operated these websites, targeting retired employees, women, and unemployed youth seeking part-time employment. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Home Ministry, identified and recommended the blocking of these websites through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU). The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) invoked its authority under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to carry out the blockage.
These websites, involved in task-based organized illegal investments related to economic crimes, were operated by overseas entities and employed digital advertising, chat messengers, and rented accounts. The proceeds from large-scale economic frauds were laundered out of India using methods such as card networks, cryptocurrency, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international Fintech companies.
The I4C, an initiative addressing cyber crimes, urged citizens to report fraudulent activities promptly. Numerous complaints have been received through helplines, highlighting the significant threats to citizens and data security concerns. The frauds typically employed targeted digital advertisements on platforms like Google and Meta, engaging victims through conversations on WhatsApp or Telegram and convincing them to perform tasks for initial commissions. Subsequently, victims were persuaded to invest more, leading to substantial losses.
The government cautioned citizens to exercise due diligence before engaging in high-commission online schemes, emphasizing the importance of verifying transaction details, names of receivers, and sources of initial commissions to prevent falling victim to fraudulent activities and potential legal consequences, including money laundering and terror financing.
Post Your Comments