Mumbai Police have recently dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud network that exploited fake Aadhaar cards to facilitate loan app scams and other financial frauds. This operation spanned multiple states, including Bihar and Jharkhand, and led to the arrest of six individuals, with the alleged mastermind apprehended near Jamtara, Jharkhand .
Key Details of the Racket
- Creation of Fake Aadhaar Cards: The fraudsters generated counterfeit Aadhaar cards using photographs of individuals from Bihar, assigning them fictitious names and Mumbai addresses. These fake IDs were then used to open bank accounts in Mumbai .
- Sale of Bank Accounts: The opened bank accounts were sold to other cybercriminals. One intermediary, Mukesh alias Chandu Suryavanshi, received a 30% commission based on the fraudulent funds deposited into these accounts .
- Loan App Scams: The primary accused, Abdullah Ansari, utilized these accounts to deposit money obtained from victims through deceptive loan app schemes. The gang employed screen-sharing applications and impersonated customer service representatives to defraud individuals seeking loans .
- Financial Impact: Authorities discovered ₹4–5 crore deposited across 22 bank accounts linked to the scam, with a single account holding ₹60 lakh. Seized items included 83 fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, multiple bank passbooks, debit cards, mobile phones, and SIM cards .
Broader Implications
This case highlights the growing misuse of Aadhaar data in cyber frauds. In a separate incident, Uttar Pradesh Police uncovered a network that tampered with biometric data of over 1,500 Aadhaar cardholders across 12 states, exploiting vulnerabilities in the UIDAI system .
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of AI tools like ChatGPT’s image generator to create realistic-looking fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, although these lack official security features .
Preventive Measures
To safeguard against such frauds:
- Verify Identity Documents: Always cross-check Aadhaar and PAN cards through official UIDAI and government portals.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details over unsolicited calls or messages, especially those promising loans or financial aid.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter any dubious financial offers or identity-related discrepancies, report them to the Cyber Crime Cell or local authorities promptly.
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