Cyber Gangs Using Social Media Ads to Lure People Into Bank Account Rental Scam, Police Issues Strict Warning

Cybercrime networks are increasingly using social media advertisements to promote a dangerous new fraud model—renting bank accounts in exchange for “easy monthly income.” These ads target unemployed youth, students and financially vulnerable individuals by promising quick earnings of ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per month. However, police and cyber specialists warn that such rented accounts are secretly used as mule accounts for online scams, investment fraud, phishing schemes and large-scale money laundering.

Authorities across multiple cities have now issued strong warnings, stating that anyone who hands over access to their bank account could face legal consequences, as these accounts often become the first point of investigation in cyber fraud cases.

How the Bank Account Rental Scam Works

According to recent reports, cyber gangs openly run ads on various social media platforms offering money to anyone willing to “rent out” their bank account. In these ads, scammers claim they need accounts for receiving “game funds” or “business transactions,” assuring users that there is no risk involved. The reality, however, is entirely different.

In this setup, the rented bank account becomes a mule account, where money from online scams is first deposited. This money is then quickly moved across multiple accounts to hide its source, and eventually converted into cash or cryptocurrency. During a police investigation, the first account in the chain—usually the rented one—is the one that gets flagged.

Why People Fall for the Scam

Fraudsters take advantage of people facing financial pressure. Advertisements claim:

– Monthly income between ₹5,000 and ₹30,000
– Absolutely “no risk”
– Quick approvals without paperwork
– Easy money for doing “nothing”

Due to unemployment or financial stress, many individuals trust such ads without understanding the consequences. By sharing bank access or ATM cards, they unknowingly become part of a cybercrime network.

Police Crackdown: Multiple Arrests Reported

Police in several regions, including areas around Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, have arrested individuals whose accounts were used in cyber fraud. Investigations revealed a multi-layered network:

– One person provides the account
– Another withdraws the money
– Another converts funds into crypto
– The mastermind controls operations from abroad

This layered system makes it difficult to track the primary perpetrator, which is why account holders end up facing legal action first.

Fake Job Offers Being Used for Recruitment

Cybersecurity experts warn that criminals now operate these scams like professional recruitment campaigns. They use:

– Paid social media ads
– Fake job offers
– High-return investment schemes
– Telegram and WhatsApp groups

In some cases, scammers even ask for ATM cards, cheque books and SIM cards, leaving the individual completely exposed to identity theft and financial fraud.

Why Renting Your Bank Account Is Dangerous

Giving someone access to your account can lead to:

– Legal action under money laundering laws
– Permanent blocking of your bank account
– Freezing of all linked accounts
– Police investigation and arrest
– Lifetime banking restrictions

Once an account is connected to a fraud case, clearing your name becomes extremely difficult.

Police Advisory: Stay Away From Such Ads

Law enforcement agencies have urged social media platforms to remove these deceptive ads immediately. During recent cyber awareness drives, police issued a clear warning:

– Do not share bank details, OTPs or account access
– Avoid any schemes offering easy money
– Report such ads and accounts immediately
– Treat any “account rental” offer as a red flag

Authorities emphasize that no legitimate organisation will ever ask for access to your bank account in exchange for money.

Bottom Line

The rise of bank account rental scams highlights how cybercriminals are adapting their methods to exploit financial desperation. While the promise of quick income may seem tempting, becoming part of such schemes can lead to serious legal trouble, financial loss and long-term consequences.

Users are strongly advised to stay alert, ignore such ads and report suspicious activity to protect themselves from being trapped in cyber fraud operations.