Highlight
- Meghalaya citizens Fall Victim to International Ponzi Scheme
- More than 700 individuals have invested in this fraudulent scheme over the past two years.
A large number of citizens from Meghalaya, including those from Shillong and the Garo Hills region, have been involved in an international Ponzi scheme, lured by promises of quick, high returns.
According to reports, more than 700 individuals have invested in this fraudulent scheme over the past two years. This Ponzi scheme operates on an international level, with some accounts being traced back to Hong Kong.
Substantial Investments and Arrests Made
SP (City) Pankaj Kumar Rasgania, who is also in charge of the state’s cyber wing, revealed that many people have invested substantial amounts of money, expecting significant returns. Several arrests have already been made, and over eight cases have been registered in connection with the scam in both the Khasi and Garo Hills regions.
SP Rasgania mentioned that some victims had invested lakhs of rupees, with the total scam amounting to over Rs 1 crore. During the interrogation of those arrested, the police uncovered the methods used to carry out the scam.
Scam Linked to Hong Kong Accounts
The investigation has revealed that the scam is transnational, with connections to accounts operated from Hong Kong. Seized mobile phones have provided critical information, helping the police trace the scam’s origins.
In a significant development, the cyber wing of the state police managed to block Rs 2.42 crore through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which would have otherwise been lost to the scammers. Rasgania emphasized that reporting cyber fraud within 24 hours greatly increases the chances of recovering lost funds.
Alert on Scam Apps: “Datameer” and “DAAI”
Citizens were also warned about the scam being conducted via the “Datameer” or “DAAI” apps. These apps initially allow investments but stop processing withdrawals, revealing their fraudulent nature. Rasgania pointed out that there has been a rise in such investment scams in the past two years.
Conclusion
Cybercrime has surged dramatically in Meghalaya over the past two years, with the number of calls to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) increasing eightfold. This alarming rise indicates a growing trend of online frauds and scams in the region.
