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Delhi Police Bust Interstate Cyber Fraud Racket Targeting Job Seekers

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 12:48 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: Delhi, N/A, INDIA

New Delhi, February 15th, 2026 - The Delhi Police have announced the arrest of four individuals linked to a sophisticated inter-state cyber fraud racket that preyed on job seekers across multiple states. The operation, which spanned Jharkhand and Odisha, highlights a growing trend of technologically-driven scams exploiting economic vulnerabilities and the increasing reliance on online job platforms.

The arrested individuals - Akash Kerketta, Ravi Tati, Chandrashekhar Nayak, and Pintu Kumar - were apprehended following a coordinated raid operation prompted by intelligence regarding the gang's activities. Police officials revealed that the group operated a systematic scheme, luring unsuspecting victims with seemingly legitimate job offers before extracting funds through a series of fabricated fees.

"This wasn't a random act of fraud; it was a well-organized network," explained a senior police officer during a press conference this morning. "They specifically targeted individuals actively seeking employment, capitalizing on their hopes and desperation. The modus operandi involved promising jobs in various sectors - from data entry to customer service, even offering positions requiring specialized skills - but always with the caveat of upfront payments."

The fraudulent charges levied on victims included registration fees (claiming to cover processing and verification), security deposits (ostensibly to ensure commitment to the role), and even GST payments (presented as standard tax obligations). These amounts, while individually seemingly small, quickly accumulated, leaving victims significantly financially harmed.

Expanding Beyond the Initial Arrests

The investigation is far from over. While the immediate arrests represent a significant breakthrough, police are actively working to determine the full scope of the operation and identify any additional individuals involved. Sources suggest that the arrested individuals may have been operating as part of a larger network, potentially involving individuals with expertise in areas such as website creation, social media manipulation, and money laundering.

Cybersecurity experts have noted a significant uptick in job fraud schemes over the past two years, fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic instability. The increase in remote work opportunities has also created a fertile ground for fraudsters, making it difficult for candidates to verify the legitimacy of job offers.

"The pandemic dramatically shifted the job landscape, making online applications the norm," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading cybersecurity analyst at the National Institute of Cyber Security. "Fraudsters have adapted quickly, leveraging this shift to create more convincing scams. They often create fake company websites, use stolen logos and branding, and even impersonate legitimate HR professionals."

Protecting Yourself from Job Scams

The Delhi Police and cybersecurity professionals are urging job seekers to exercise extreme caution and adopt preventative measures. Key recommendations include:

• Verify the Company: Always research the company offering the job. Check its website, social media presence, and reviews. Look for any red flags, such as a lack of information or inconsistencies in details.
• Be Wary of Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers rarely, if ever, ask candidates to pay money upfront for training, registration, or materials.
• Scrutinize Communication: Pay close attention to the communication you receive. Look for grammatical errors, unprofessional language, or pressure tactics.
• Protect Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive information, such as your bank account details or social security number, until you are absolutely certain the job offer is legitimate.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you have been targeted by a job scam, report it to the police and relevant cybersecurity authorities.

The police have recovered numerous electronic devices - laptops, smartphones, and tablets - along with a substantial number of SIM cards used to facilitate the fraud. These devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis to uncover further evidence and identify potential victims.

The success of this operation underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation in tackling cybercrime. The Delhi Police are collaborating with law enforcement agencies in Jharkhand and Odisha to share information and coordinate efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network. The increasing sophistication of cyber fraud necessitates a proactive and collaborative approach to protect citizens and maintain the integrity of the online job market.