Teen Social Media Influencer Arrested for Rs. 42 Lakh Fake Investment Scheme

A 19-year-old social media influencer has been arrested by the Rajasthan Police for running a fraudulent investment scheme that deceived over 200 people. The scam, which defrauded victims of Rs. 42 lakh, was uncovered after a thorough investigation by local authorities.

The Fraudster: Kashif Mirza

The accused, identified as Kashif Mirza, is a teenager from Ajmer who was previously a class 11 student. According to police reports, Kashif used his social media influence to lure victims into his fake investment scheme. He targeted social media users, promising them huge profits in exchange for large investments.

How the Scam Worked

Kashif Mirza used his large following on Instagram to promote the scam. He guaranteed investors that they would earn Rs. 1,39,999 after 13 weeks by investing Rs. 99,999. To build trust, he initially paid out small profits to some of the early investors, encouraging them to spread the word to others. This helped him recruit more victims into his fraudulent scheme.

Arrest and Recovery

Rajasthan Police arrested Kashif in Ajmer after gathering evidence of his illegal activities. During the arrest, the police recovered several items, including a Hyundai Verna car, a cash counting machine, multiple phones, and laptops. Kashif has been remanded in police custody for two days while further investigations are ongoing.

How to Avoid Online Fraud

Experts warn that fraudsters often prey on people through fake online schemes. To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Do Your Research: Before investing in any scheme, thoroughly research the company or individual offering the plan. Check their credibility both online and offline.

Be Wary of "Guaranteed" Returns: Fraudsters often promise high returns with little risk. Be cautious of anyone guaranteeing profits, especially in a short time frame.

Check for Regulation: Ensure the investment company or individual is registered with relevant financial authorities. Legitimate institutions are usually regulated by financial watchdogs.

Protect Personal Information: Never share passwords or sensitive financial data unless you are sure about the legitimacy of the source. Avoid leaving important documents unsecured.

Beware of Phishing Scams: Legitimate institutions, such as banks, never ask for personal information through emails or text messages. If you receive such requests, do not respond and report them immediately.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent schemes like the one operated by Kashif Mirza.

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