09 September,2026 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Ulhasnagar Police Crime Branch has arrested five people accused of being part of an interstate cyber fraud network that allegedly cheated victims across India, officials said on Tuesday.
According to police, the gang targeted people through fake advertisements posted on Instagram, offering iPhones, other smartphones and furniture at heavily discounted prices through fraudulent accounts.
The suspects allegedly used social media to attract potential buyers and then shifted conversations to WhatsApp, where they sent fake parcel barcodes and packaging videos to convince victims that their orders had been processed.
Police said the suspects posted advertisements offering expensive electronic devices and furniture at prices significantly below market rates.
The advertisements were allegedly published through bogus Instagram handles designed to make the offers appear genuine. Once potential buyers showed interest, the suspects contacted them and provided details about the supposed purchases and delivery process.
The police investigation is examining how the fraudulent accounts were operated and whether additional individuals were involved in creating and managing them.
After establishing contact with prospective victims, members of the alleged gang reportedly sent fake parcel barcodes and packaging videos through WhatsApp.
Police said the material was used to create the impression that the ordered goods had been packed and were ready for delivery.
The suspects then allegedly demanded online payments from the buyers. After receiving the money, they stopped responding to the victims and did not deliver the products, according to the police.
The arrests followed a tip-off received by Senior Police Inspector Rajesh Gajjal, after which police teams conducted a raid at a location in Ulhasnagar.
Five suspects identified as key members of the alleged network were arrested during the operation, officials said.
Police also seized mobile phones valued at around Rs 1.20 lakh from the suspects. The devices are being examined as part of the investigation into the alleged cyber fraud operation.
According to the police, the mobile numbers and email addresses allegedly used by the network were linked to at least 75 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The police also found that the alleged gang had used 114 bank accounts in connection with the movement of the money obtained through the fraudulent transactions.
Investigators are examining the bank accounts and digital records to trace the flow of funds and determine the scale of the alleged operation.
A case has been registered at Ulhasnagar Police Station, and further investigation is underway, officials said.
Police are examining the seized devices and financial records to identify other people who may have been involved in the network and determine whether more victims were targeted.
(With inputs from PTI)
