Cyber Crime Alert: Labourers’ Identities Sold for Just ₹3,000 — Could You Be the Next Victim?
A new and deeply concerning cybercrime racket has come to light, one that exposes just how vulnerable the common man can be. In a disturbing case from Punjab’s Zirakpur and Panchkula, migrant workers’ identities were sold for as little as ₹3,000 and used in a web of online financial fraud. What’s alarming is how easily trust was exploited—and this could happen to anyone.
The Modus Operandi: Deceit in the Name of Government Schemes
In this case, two individuals—Karan Kumar and Kanav Kapoor—have been arrested for their roles in orchestrating a scam that used fake promises of government schemes to lure migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Karan, originally from Unnao, UP, and living in Zirakpur’s Dhakoli area, targeted unsuspecting labourers by promising them financial aid from the government. Gaining their trust, he collected vital identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and PAN cards.
With these documents in hand, Karan opened multiple bank accounts in the names of the workers. But instead of helping them, he kept the passbooks, chequebooks, ATM cards, and even linked SIM cards for himself. These accounts became tools to receive and route funds from cyber fraud.
A Well-Oiled Racket: Identities Sold Like Commodities
The investigation, as reported by Hindustan Times, revealed that Karan sold each fake account to his partner Kanav Kapoor, a Noida resident, for ₹3,000 per account.
Kanav would then use the accounts to funnel stolen money from online scams, while Karan was responsible for withdrawing the funds and sharing the loot for a commission.
Authorities seized:
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18 ATM cards,
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12 passbooks,
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6 chequebooks from Karan,
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and from Kanav: a laptop, 6 smartphones, 2 basic mobile phones, and 7 SIM cards.
Shockingly, both individuals had prior criminal records.
Not Just a Local Scam — A National Wake-Up Call
What makes this case especially worrisome is how easily the scam preyed on a large section of India’s workforce — migrant labourers, who are often unaware of digital threats.
But this is not just about them. If you're someone who:
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Shares personal ID documents casually,
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Believes every promise of government benefits without verification,
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Opens bank accounts without understanding their purpose,
—you could be at risk too.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Identity Fraud
This case serves as a critical reminder to protect your identity with the same seriousness as your money. Here's how you can stay safe:
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Never share documents like Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID with unknown individuals — no matter how convincing they sound.
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Verify all government schemes through official websites or authorized centers.
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Avoid opening bank accounts unless absolutely necessary and ensure you are the sole operator.
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If someone asks for your documents in the name of employment, benefits, or subsidies — double-check the source.
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Keep a record of every place you’ve submitted your documents and monitor your credit and account activity regularly.
⚖️ Legal Action Underway
An FIR has been filed at Sector-20 Cyber Police Station under sections 61 (criminal conspiracy) and 318(4) (fraud) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (new Indian Penal Code framework). The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow.
🔚 Final Takeaway: Don’t Be the Next Victim
This isn’t just a story about cybercrime — it’s a warning. As digital scams grow more sophisticated, your identity is now a currency, often worth more to criminals than your bank balance.
Stay vigilant. Stay informed. And remember: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
