Hyderabad part-time jobs scam: ED attaches Rs 32.34 cr in 580 bank accounts

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad has taken significant steps in a case involving a part-time job scam, whereby Rs. 32.34 crore has been provisionally attached across 580 bank accounts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002. The scam, which operated under the guise of offering part-time employment for tasks such as reviewing and rating websites, hotels, and resorts, has seen more than 50 related FIRs registered across the nation.

The investigation, initiated based on an FIR lodged by the PS Cyber Crime, Hyderabad, revealed a systematic scheme targeting individuals through platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Victims were enticed with promises of earning between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 daily by simply providing favorable ratings to various tourist-related entities. The perpetrators utilized deceptive tactics, including creating WhatsApp and Telegram groups where false testimonials and purported high earnings were shared to gain victims' trust.

Once lured in, victims were instructed to register on fraudulent websites or apps using their personal information, including bank account details. False promises of bonuses and rewards, along with demands for initial deposits to top up online wallets, were employed to further exploit victims. As victims attempted to complete tasks, they were subjected to additional demands for deposits, purportedly for accessing higher-paying assignments.

The scam extended to coercing victims into paying arbitrary fees under the guise of refundable withdrawal charges, with transactions being consistently declined upon withdrawal attempts. Investigations revealed that the orchestrators of the scam operated from the UAE, utilizing numerous bank accounts opened under shell entities with forged documents.

The scale of the operation became evident as the ED uncovered over Rs. 524 crore dispersed across 175 bank accounts, which were swiftly used for brief periods before being diverted to other accounts. The trail of illicit funds led to the purchase of cryptocurrencies, hawala payments within India, and remittances abroad disguised as import payments.

The attachment of funds by the ED marks a significant step in unraveling this intricate web of deceit, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against cyber scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.