Government Blocks 100 Websites Engaged in Organized Investment Frauds
New Delhi: In a major crackdown on economic frauds, the Centre has taken decisive action by blocking 100 websites involved in organized investment or task-based scams, along with laundering illicit gains out of India. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) implemented the block, acting on the recommendations from the National Cybercrime Threat Analysis Unit (NCTAU) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The NCTAU had identified over 100 websites linked to organized investment or task-based part-time job frauds. Utilizing powers under the Information Technology Act, 2000, MeitY executed the website blockage, uncovering the involvement of overseas actors in these illegal activities. These actors allegedly utilized digital advertising, chat messengers, and mule/rented accounts to perpetrate the scams.
Proceeds from these large-scale economic frauds were found to be laundered out of India through card networks, cryptocurrency, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international fintech companies. The MHA stated that numerous complaints had been received via the 1930 helpline and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) concerning these fraudulent schemes.
The scams often initiate through targeted digital advertisements on 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). Overseas advertisers frequently target retired employees, women, and unemployed youth seeking part-time jobs.
The victims are lured into performing seemingly simple tasks like ‘video likes,’ subscriptions, and maps rating, initially receiving commissions. However, as victims gain confidence and deposit larger sums, their funds are frozen, leading to substantial financial losses. The MHA emphasizes the significance of cybersecurity and encourages citizens to report phone numbers and social media handles used by fraudsters to the NCRP via www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Government blocks over 100 websites for facilitating organized illegal investment and task based part time job frauds.
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