Mumbai Cyber Crime: OTP Farming Network Busted For Supplying Fake WhatsApp Accounts To Investment Fraudsters

Mumbai's West Region Cyber Police have dismantled a network involved in supplying counterfeit WhatsApp accounts to overseas investment fraudsters. Three individuals have been apprehended for procuring fake SIM cards, creating WhatsApp OTPs, and supplying accounts to fraudsters, including those from Cambodia. The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

The accused, identified as Pramod Kumar, Dharmendra Gupta, and Rajiv Kumar Gupta, allegedly used keypad mobile phones and fake SIMs to generate WhatsApp OTPs for overseas fraudsters. The operation uncovered an OTP farming setup, where hundreds of SIM cards were activated and supplied to the accused for commission-based payments.

The fraud proceeds were transferred to mule accounts operated by the accused, who received their share in cryptocurrency. Police advise citizens to verify the credentials of investment company representatives before investing and cautioned against promises of guaranteed profits or high returns. Citizens are advised not to share login credentials or OTPs and should report any cyber fraud to the 1930 cybercrime helpline.