Team Herald
MARGAO: In light of a sharp increase in cybercrime, police stations in South Goa have successfully resolved 53 out of 60 cheating cases registered in 2024. These cases encompass a range of fraudulent activities, including job recruitment scams, online phishing, delivery fraud, false marriage promises, and forgery.
Interestingly, the year 2023 saw a decline in cheating cases, with South Goa police registering only 35 incidents, of which 29 were solved. In 2022, the district recorded 56 cheating cases, with 28 successfully resolved. Over the past three years, many fraudsters have employed tactics such as obtaining victims' ATM PINs and OTPs through phone calls or by persuading them to click on malicious links.
Desperate job seekers have often been lured into depositing substantial sums into fraudulent accounts, enticed by the promise of high-paying positions with reputable companies or aboard cruise liners. The police have also dealt with cases involving bounced cheques, misappropriation of funds, and fees for non-existent courses at fictitious institutions. In 2024, several cases were initially registered by police stations in South Goa but were subsequently transferred to the economic cell for further investigation.
A notable case occurred in November 2024 when Margao town police arrested Vishaya Gaude from Sao Jose de Areal and Soniya alias Roshan Somnath Achari from Achariwada-Sadashivgad, Karwar, in connection with a cash-for-job scam. Following a complaint from Sunil Borkar of Nagmoddem, Navelim, an offence was registered against the duo under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complaint detailed that between January 20 and June 30, 2020, the accused dishonestly induced the complainant to pay Rs 16,12,500 under the pretext of securing a job in Karwar.
In another incident in November 2024, Margao police registered an offence against Bala Nandeshwar Rao and Shanti Bala Rao, a husband-wife duo, for allegedly defrauding a Curtorim resident of Rs 8.5 lakh by promising him a job abroad. The complaint stated that between September 2023 and April 2024, the accused, operating under the name Dream for Overseas Consulting Private Limited, induced the victim to make multiple bank transfers.
In a significant crackdown in November 2024, Curchorem police arrested Tanvi Vast and Anand Jadhav, the branch manager of the Central Bank of India’s Curchorem branch, for allegedly defrauding elderly account holders. The duo is suspected of orchestrating fraudulent transfers and misappropriating large sums of money, with estimates suggesting the total scam could reach crores. Following numerous complaints of unauthorised transactions, the suspects were remanded to police custody for further investigation.
Advocate Vinay Patker emphasised that such cheating cases often arise from a lack of awareness regarding safety measures when using internet banking or making online purchases. He noted that investigations typically involve gathering evidence such as witness statements, financial records, and digital evidence to establish the accused's deceitful actions.
A police inspector recently transferred from Colva police station advised the public to refrain from sharing personal and confidential information with anyone claiming to be bank employees or police officers over the phone. He highlighted the complexity of detecting cheating cases, particularly with the rise of cyber fraudsters who extort money and threaten victims with false legal actions.
The inspector also shared alarming examples of local residents falling victim to scams, including one woman who lost Rs 7,50,571 after clicking a fraudulent link to pay her electricity bill. Another victim was convinced to part with Rs 40,000 under the promise of receiving larger rewards, while a Curtorim resident lost Rs 57,500 in a job scam.