Indian Government blocks over 100 websites duping people with fake Work-from-home offers
India’s Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken strong actions against cybercrime by blocking over 100 websites.
India’s Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken strong actions against cybercrime by blocking over 100 websites. These websites were reportedly engaged in organizing investment scams and part-time job fraud. This initiative aligns with the Information Technology Act of 2000.
The Ministry encourages citizens to actively participate in the fight against cybercrime by promptly reporting fraudulent phone numbers and social media handles through the National Cyber Reporting Portal (NCRP) at www.cybercrime.gov.in. The Integrated Information Center is a dedicated cybercrime combatant. It played a crucial role in identifying and recommending the blocking of these deceptive websites.
Investigations by the Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that these websites were central in orchestrating task-based and organized investment frauds. Illicit gains from these activities were funneled out of India using various channels. These included card networks, cryptocurrency, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international fintech companies.
Fraudsters reportedly targeted retirees, women, and unemployed youth through strategically placed digital advertisements on major platforms like Google and Meta. Using catchy keywords like “Ghar baithe job” in multiple languages, scammers engaged victims on popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
These scams evolved from simple tasks to coercing victims into financial investments, leading to significant financial losses when fraudsters froze their accounts after significant deposits.
To prevent falling victim to such scams, citizens are advised to exercise caution before participating in high-commission online schemes and to avoid financial transactions with unknown people on messaging platforms. Verifying UPI app receivers is emphasized to prevent association with fraud schemes.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs cautioned citizens against transactions with unknown accounts due to potential involvement in money laundering, terror financing, and the risk of legal repercussions.
Ms Kalinga