Delhi High Court directs police to investigate AJIO scam
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi Police's Cyber Cell to investigate a widespread scam that involves fraudulent money collection under the guise of online fashion and lifestyle brand AJIO. Criminals are said to be utilizing prize money schemes and scratch cards/coupons to deceive people, convincing them to deposit money for these schemes. The court's order follows a complaint filed by Reliance Industries, the operator of the e-commerce platform AJIO (www.ajio.com).
Details
Scammers cheat through fake scratch cards, prize schemes
Reportedly, perpetrators of the scam duped the victims into depositing sums ranging from Rs. 5,000-10 lakh, claiming they would be eligible to win cash via scratch cards once they made a deposit. The scammers used multiple mobile numbers and bank accounts to receive these deposits. They were convincing enough to make the recipients unable to distinguish them from legitimate AJIO communications. The court has ordered the freezing of the accounts, KYC details, and account statements from inception to date.
Insights
Reliance Industries files complaint against 6 fraudsters
Reliance Industries reportedly filed a complaint against six entities, accusing them of sending fraudulent calls/messages under the name "AJIO Online Shopping Pvt Ltd" via a Kolkata-based address and duping unsuspecting customers of their money. The complaint is aimed at the protection of the "AJIO" mark and logo. The Delhi HC has directed the Delhi Police's Cyber Cell to take quick action in accordance with the law.
Steps
How users can protect themselves from scam
While scammers might communicate with AJIO customers through channels or numbers that look genuine, users can take a few measures to protect themselves from the scam. If you receive a call/SMS offering scratch cards or prize money, block such numbers and do not share personal details or transfer money to any bank account. Companies like AJIO would never request users to deposit money in exchange for prizes. Cross-verifying with AJIO through its official communication channels regarding its offers is recommended.