How captcha on WhatsApp for fake data entry scam looted money from people, Cyberabad police arrest four

HYDERABAD: In a major breakthrough, the Cyber crime police of Cyberabad has successfully apprehended four persons involved in a widespread data entry job fraud scam that targeted job seekers across India. The accused, operating under the banner of Flora Solutions, exploited victims by offering part-time jobs and subsequently extorting money through intimidation tactics.

The fraudsters, identified as Rahul Ashok Bhai Baviskar, Sagar Patil, Kalpesh Thorat, and Nilesh Patil, employed a modus operandi that included offering fake captcha typing work through Whatsapp messages. Once victims accepted the job, the scammers would send fake legal notices, alleging violations of terms and conditions, and demand substantial payments. The accused successfully carried out their fraudulent activities in 25 states and two Union Territories, victimising individuals in Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, and more.

One victim, who registered a complaint with the Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police, narrated her ordeal of being targeted after responding to a captcha typing work offer from Flora Solutions. The fraudsters, through threats and fake legal notices, managed to extort a total of Rs. 6,17,660 from the victim.

The main perpetrator, Rahul Ashok, previously worked in a fraudulent data entry job in Surat. Having knowledge of the modus operandi, Rahul Ashok collected job seekers' data from online portals, conspiring with classmates (Sagar, Kalpesh and Nilesh) to deceive job seekers. Rahul Ashok posing as Flora Solutions, sent Whatsapp messages to potential victims, provided login credentials for data entry work, and later extorted money through intimidation tactics.

Following an intensive investigation, the Cyber Crime Police traced the fraudsters to the Dandeli area of Surat, leading to the arrest of all four accused in Surat City, Gujarat. Seized items include six mobile phones, one laptop, and five debit cards. The investigation uncovered 358 complaints on cybercrime website, with 28 related to Telangana, including 11 within the jurisdiction of Cyberabad.

Cyberabad DCP K Shilpavalli advised citizens to exercise caution against remote part-time job offers. She emphasised the need to be wary of lucrative job offers, verify company authenticity, exercise caution with messages, consult with family and friends before accepting offers, and report online financial fraud promptly to the national helpline at 1930.