Shillong, Sept 15: While Assam has been making headlines for the recent unearthing of a Rs. 2,200 crore online trading scam, which has implicated prominent figures from the state’s entertainment industry, a multi-crore scam has also surfaced in Meghalaya. Though the full scale of the fraud is yet to be ascertained, initial reports suggest significant financial losses.

What is clear, however, is that over 700 individuals have fallen victim to fraudulent investment schemes through deceptive apps. So far, Meghalaya Police have managed to recover a mere Rs 2.42 crore from the enormous sums defrauded, leaving countless victims grappling with financial loss.

This scam, operated via the “Datameer” or “DAAI” app, has left hundreds, if not thousands, of citizens’ hard-earned money at risk. Superintendent of Police (Sadar) and Cyber Wing head, Pankaj Kumar Rasgania, informed.

Rasgania detailed the rapid rise in cybercrimes across the state, particularly investment scams, and how online fraud has grown exponentially. “In the last two years, we have seen a significant rise in investment scams in Meghalaya. One such app, DAAI, promised unrealistic returns of up to 40%, which lured victims into investing,” Rasgania shared.

He further explained that the prime accused came across the scam through social media, initially receiving returns, which encouraged him to recruit others via WhatsApp groups and offline meetings. However, after a few months, the app ceased processing withdrawals, exposing the fraud.

Rasgania confirmed that eight cases have been registered, with investigations extending across Garo Hills and Khasi Hills. Additionally, there are links to other Indian states and international connections, particularly to Hong Kong.

Timely intervention helps police save Rs. 2.42 crore

While investigating various cyber frauds, the Meghalaya Police’s Cyber Wing, through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, managed to block Rs. 2.42 crore, saving it from fraudsters. Rasgania explained that victims who report cyber fraud within 24 hours stand a higher chance of having their money recovered.

“Till now, we have blocked Rs. 2.42 crore from this portal. We have saved this amount for the people of Meghalaya,” Rasgania said, clarifying that these efforts span multiple scams over recent years, not just the Datameer case, which is still under investigation.

Preventive measures and ongoing investigations

Rasgania urged citizens to remain cautious, avoiding selling their bank accounts or SIM cards, which are often misused in cyber fraud. Once these are linked to a scam, both accounts and SIMs can be legally blocked. Investigations revealed that fraudsters frequently use similar apps, such as “TAAI,” with minor name changes to continue their activities undetected.

Rasgania encouraged victims to promptly report cybercrimes via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or helpline 1930, noting that timely reporting enhances the chances of recovering lost funds. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will keep the public informed as more details emerge,” he said.

Cybercrime on the rise in Meghalaya

Rasgania also emphasized the rising tide of cybercrime in Meghalaya, noting that calls to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) increased eightfold in the past two years. “In 2022, we received 1,069 calls, and in 2024, we have already received 8,414 calls,” he said. Complaints on the cybercrime.gov.in portal have also grown exponentially, from just 9 in 2019 to over 1,000 this year.

Rasgania provided tips to identify scams, such as promises of unusually high returns (often more than 10%), transactions conducted through WhatsApp or Telegram, and payments via UPI IDs or changing bank accounts. These are all red flags of fraudulent schemes.

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