Kasaragod: A doctor in Kasaragod fell victim to a sophisticated online scam, losing ₹2.23 crore in just 19 days after being lured by a fraudulent work-from-home job offer. The scam, which promised high earnings for reviewing businesses and products, turned out to be an elaborate financial trap.
After a six-month investigation, police arrested Muhammed Noushad A T (45), a serial cybercriminal from Payyannur, who managed multiple bank accounts used to launder the stolen money. Though not the mastermind, Noushad played a crucial role in the racket by recruiting individuals to open bank accounts for illegal transactions.
How the Doctor Was Trapped
- The scam began in May 2024, when the doctor’s wife, described as highly educated, was searching for remote job opportunities. She came across an offer on Telegram for a business review job, which initially seemed legitimate.
- To build trust, scammers paid small amounts for initial tasks and later invited her into an “exclusive” Telegram group where members (actually fake profiles) claimed to be earning huge sums.
- The real scam began when the so-called “premium” tasks required upfront payments. The couple was manipulated into transferring money with fabricated proof of refunds, which never materialized.
- The fraudsters later pressured them further by blaming them for blocking payments in the group, forcing them to send even more money to “unlock” their earnings.
Between May 17 and June 4, 2024, the doctor and his wife transferred ₹2.23 crore to multiple bank accounts across different cities. Ashamed of their loss, they initially hesitated to file a complaint but finally approached Kasaragod Cyber Crime Police on June 8.
The Arrest and Investigation
- Police tracked down Muhammed Noushad A T, who was handling bank accounts used to siphon off the money.
- He recruited students and homemakers to open bank accounts, claiming they were needed for an online trading business to evade tax scrutiny.
- One such recruit, Harshan from Kochi, opened 10 accounts that received ₹40 lakh. Though he has been booked, police believe he was also deceived.
Challenges in Recovering Money
- The funds were transferred to Delhi and then dispersed across multiple accounts within an hour, making retrieval difficult.
- Noushad’s accounts were found empty, indicating the money had already been withdrawn or moved.
Accused’s Criminal Background
- Noushad was wanted in multiple fraud cases in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Ernakulam.
- He had earlier posed as a Mumbai Police officer on a video call to extort money.
- He had links to cyber fraud syndicates in North India and was being monitored by the Kasaragod Cyber Cell.
Police Action and Next Steps
- The District Crime Branch is continuing investigations to trace the remaining members of the scam.
- Authorities are working with banks and cybercrime units to track the financial trail and recover lost funds.
Warning to the Public
Officials have warned citizens to beware of online job scams, especially those requiring upfront payments. They advise victims to report fraud immediately to improve the chances of recovering lost money.
