A deceptive online scheme promising easy money for reading e-books has defrauded over 100 people in Kerala, resulting in losses totaling ₹1.25 crore. Victims allege they were duped through a task-based online scam that initially offered small payouts before abruptly severing access to their accumulated earnings.
At least 106 individuals recently submitted a mass petition to the Thiruvananthapuram Rural cyber police station, detailing their experiences with the fraud.
How the NTL App Scam Operated
Police officials state the modus operandi of this scam closely mirrors other task-based frauds, such as those involving hotel ratings and reviews. However, this particular operation utilized a dedicated application known as the NTL App.
Recruitment and Membership
- The scam began with a WhatsApp link to download the NTL App, often sent to prominent local individuals with wide public connections, encouraging them to recruit more participants.
- The app offered various membership levels, requiring entry fees ranging from ₹1,800 up to several lakh rupees.
Task and 'Earnings'
- Once enrolled, members were assigned the daily task of reading e-books.
- They were promised ₹25 for each completed book.
- Recruiters received a commission for every book read by the members they brought into the scheme, incentivizing further recruitment.
The Deception Unfolds
The earnings displayed within the NTL App were purely virtual. Victims were informed that withdrawals were permitted only on Wednesdays. While some individuals reported receiving initial payments, these transfers eventually ceased. When the app subsequently became inaccessible, many realized they had been cheated and reported the incident to the police.
One victim recounted, "There are people who invested lakhs into this scheme. From what we learnt, the scamsters used the details of a US company to cheat us."
Investigation Points to Larger Network
Complainants have identified Sanofar, a resident of Tholicode, as a key suspect, alleging he persuaded them to join the scheme. However, Vithura SHO Vaisakh D. indicated that Sanofar appears to be just one link in a much broader criminal network.
"We suspect the role of some operations centred around the UK. We have filed an FIR and handed over details to the cyber cell," said SHO Vaisakh D.
Cyber Cell Warnings
Cyber crime officials have consistently issued warnings to the public regarding such task-based frauds, yet similar operations continue to target individuals across Kerala. Most cases have been reported from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, with a few instances also emerging in districts like Malappuram and Kozhikode.