Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: A major fraud racket allegedly targeting residents through fake scratch cards and prize schemes has been busted by Aberdeen Police, leading to the detention of four individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of promotional materials, electronic items and documents suspected to have been used in the operation.
The action followed specific intelligence received by police on June 1 regarding a group of persons who had reportedly arrived from the mainland and were operating a fraudulent promotional scheme from a white two-storeyed building near Shiv Temple in Round Basti, Sri Vijaya Puram. The information suggested that unsuspecting members of the public were being lured with promises of expensive prizes and gifts through scratch cards and promotional offers.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police team led by Inspector Vijay Kumar, Station House Officer of Aberdeen Police Station, along with SI Dinesh Jaiswal, PC Jagdish Babu and HC Mohd. Raffuque, conducted a raid at the location. Upon reaching the premises, the team allegedly found the accused actively displaying scratch cards, promotional pamphlets and warranty documents purportedly issued by reputed brands.
According to the preliminary investigation, the scheme was designed to entice people into purchasing scratch cards with the promise of winning attractive rewards. Victims were allegedly informed that they had won valuable prizes and were then persuaded to make additional payments under various pretexts in order to claim the promised gifts.
Police sources said the operation appeared to be structured in a manner that created the impression of a legitimate promotional campaign. The accused allegedly used fake warranty cards, printed promotional literature and branded electronic products to convince participants that the scheme was genuine.
During the raid, officers recovered and seized a substantial quantity of materials believed to be linked to the operation. These included a large number of scratch cards, pamphlets, fake warranty slips, promotional materials, boat speakers, gas stoves, wristwatches, OnePlus earbuds and other electronic items bearing the names of reputed brands. Authorities believe these articles were being displayed as prizes to attract and convince potential victims.
The search and seizure were carried out in the presence of independent witnesses, and all recovered items were taken into custody following due legal procedures.
Investigators said the evidence gathered at the scene prima facie indicates that the accused persons were operating an organised cheating racket with the objective of obtaining money from members of the public through false representations and deceptive means. Police suspect that the operation may have involved criminal conspiracy and coordinated efforts aimed at generating unlawful financial gains.
All four accused persons found at the location were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent activities. A criminal case has since been registered, and a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the full scope of the operation.
The case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including sections relating to cheating, fraud and criminal conspiracy. Additional provisions of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978, the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the Copyright Act, 1957 have also been invoked.
Police are now examining whether similar activities were carried out elsewhere in the islands and whether other associates may have been involved in the racket. Investigators are also verifying the origin of the promotional materials and electronic products recovered during the raid.
Aberdeen Police have urged residents to exercise caution while dealing with scratch card offers, prize-winning claims and promotional schemes that promise expensive rewards. Officials advised the public to verify the authenticity of such offers before making any payments and to immediately report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The successful operation is being viewed as a significant step in protecting residents from financial fraud and preventing the spread of deceptive schemes targeting the public. Authorities said further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
