In a major crackdown on organized online crimes, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has blocked more than 100 websites involved in job scams and illegal investment schemes. These fraudulent platforms had laundered funds out of India using methods such as card networks, cryptocurrencies, and overseas financial systems. The government’s proactive measures have also led to the rescue of 1,600 Indians trapped in exploitative jobs abroad.
Cybercrime Coordination at the Helm
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), an MHA initiative, identified and recommended the action through its National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU). These websites, which operated as part-time job and investment scams, were subsequently blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Information Technology Act 2000.
According to official statements, these platforms were managed by overseas operators who used digital advertisements, chat applications like WhatsApp and Telegram, and mule or rented accounts to lure victims. The proceeds of these crimes were funneled out of the country via international payment systems, cryptocurrencies, and ATM withdrawals abroad.
How the Scams Worked
The fraudulent websites employed targeted advertisements on platforms such as Google and Meta, using keywords like “Work from Home” and “Earn Money Easily” in multiple languages. Vulnerable groups, including retired employees, women, and unemployed youth, were targeted.
Upon clicking the ads, victims were contacted by agents through messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. These agents convinced them to perform simple tasks such as liking videos, subscribing to channels, or rating locations on maps. Initially, victims received small commissions and were persuaded to invest more for higher returns. However, once larger deposits were made, the fraudsters froze the accounts, leaving the victims duped.
Government’s Advisory for Citizens
The MHA has urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid engaging with high-commission-paying online schemes. Users are advised not to perform financial transactions with unknown individuals and to verify the authenticity of offers before making investments. The ministry also highlighted the risks of money laundering and terror financing, warning that such activities could lead to legal consequences, including account freezes and prosecution.
Rescue Operations and Global Action
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the Lok Sabha, outlined the government’s robust measures to combat these fraudulent overseas job schemes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has blocked numerous scam websites and recommended legal action against the perpetrators.
The government has successfully rescued 1,167 Indians from Cambodia and 497 from Myanmar, who had been misled by fake job offers and forced into exploitative work conditions. Many victims were subjected to illegal activities, highlighting the complexity of these scams.
Jaishankar emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the government and law enforcement agencies to dismantle these criminal networks. Efforts are also being made to address the challenges faced by Indian workers in Gulf nations and the Middle East, where issues such as underpayment, non-payment of wages, and mistreatment are prevalent.
Protecting Indian Workers Abroad
To safeguard Indian workers, the MEA is actively collaborating with local governments in these regions. Indian embassies are conducting regular reviews, addressing employer malpractices, and launching awareness campaigns to educate potential job seekers about the risks of fraudulent job schemes.
A Multifaceted Approach
The government’s comprehensive strategy reflects its commitment to protecting Indian citizens from exploitation, both at home and abroad. By combining prevention, intervention, and rescue operations, authorities aim to dismantle these networks and provide better protection for job seekers.
