Navi Mumbai: Nerul Police Hunt Cyber Fraudsters Running ₹1.20-Crore Online Betting Racket

Navi Mumbai — A growing sense of concern has gripped the Nerul community as police intensify their search for four individuals believed to be behind a ₹1.20-crore cyber fraud and online betting racket.

According to officials, the accused did not rely on complex hacking tools or high-tech schemes. Instead, they preyed on ordinary citizens — often those in need of quick cash — by offering small amounts of money in exchange for temporary access to their bank accounts.

How the Scam Worked

Investigators revealed that the group approached unsuspecting residents with seemingly harmless offers: “Let us use your bank account for a few transactions, and we’ll pay you a small commission.” For many, especially daily wage earners or financially struggling individuals, the offer appeared harmless — even helpful.

But once the bank account details were in their control, the accused allegedly used them to conduct illegal betting operations, online gaming transactions, and cyber fraud across multiple banks. What seemed like an easy way to earn a few hundred rupees ended up turning ordinary citizens into unintentional accomplices in a major financial crime.

Police Appeal for Caution

“Nobody expects their bank account to be misused for such large-scale fraud,” said an investigating officer. “These scams thrive on trust and desperation. We urge people never to share their financial credentials, no matter how tempting the offer may seem.”

Authorities are now tracing digital footprints across banking networks and online platforms to identify the masterminds. Meanwhile, residents are being warned to stay alert and report any suspicious offers involving bank account access.

A Larger Issue at Hand

This incident highlights a growing trend in cybercrime — fraudsters increasingly exploit human vulnerability rather than technology alone. Instead of breaking through firewalls, they break through trust.

For many victims, the realisation comes too late. What started as an innocent attempt to earn a few extra rupees now leaves them entangled in ongoing police investigations.