SHILLONG, Sep 15: Over 700 residents from Meghalaya, particularly from Shillong and the Garo Hills region, have fallen victim to an international Ponzi scheme, investing substantial amounts in hopes of quick, high returns. According to SP (City) Pankaj Kumar Rasgania, the deceptive scheme has primarily been operated through accounts based in Hong Kong. In the past two years, the scam’s magnitude has exceeded Rs 1 crore.
Several individuals have been arrested, and more than eight cases have been registered across Khasi and Garo Hills regions. Rasgania, who also heads the state’s cyber wing, disclosed that the detained suspects have revealed their methods and connections during interrogations. Mobile phones seized from the suspects indicate that the scam is indeed transnational.
The state’s cyber wing has successfully blocked Rs 2.42 crore through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, potentially preventing greater financial losses. Rasgania emphasized the importance of reporting cyber fraud within 24 hours for a higher chance of recovery. He also urged citizens to be vigilant against such scams, particularly those involving the "Datameer" or "DAAI" apps. These applications attract investments but eventually stop processing withdrawals, thereby revealing their fraudulent nature.
Over the past two years, investment scams via similar apps have significantly increased. Concurrently, incidents of cybercrime in Meghalaya have surged eightfold, as evidenced by the influx of complaints to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930).
The ongoing investigation continues to uncover the extent of the fraud, with authorities working diligently to safeguard citizens from cyber deception and reclaim lost funds. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities to avoid falling prey to such schemes.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/09/16/ponzi-scheme-ensnares-over-700-people-from-meghalaya/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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