In Hyderabad, scammers involved in Multi-Level Marketing schemes are specifically targeting women and job seekers

The police have issued a warning to citizens, especially women, to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to these scammers. Young people have also been advised to steer clear of such fraudulent schemes

Hyderabad is once again grappling with the resurgence of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) frauds, as scammers employ new tactics to deceive vulnerable individuals, particularly homemakers and job seekers. These fraudsters are enticing victims with promises of high returns on investments and attractive commissions for recruiting new members into their schemes.

Police Advisory and Warnings

The police have issued stern warnings to citizens, especially women and young people, to be vigilant and avoid falling into the traps set by these fraudsters. The Hyderabad Cybercrime Unit has emphasized that such schemes often exploit the trust of innocent people, leading to significant financial losses. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has also issued an advisory, urging people to stay away from schemes that promise unrealistic returns and require recruitment for income.

Recent Cases and Legal Actions

In a recent case, the Miyapur police arrested a gang of four individuals involved in an MLM fraud scheme. The masterminds lured people with promises of high returns on investment and later harassed and sexually assaulted some of the victims. Additionally, two individuals, Jasdeep Singh Bains and Jaspal Singh Sohi, were sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in an online job and MLM scam that targeted unemployed youth.

Advisory for the Public

To protect themselves from such fraudulent activities, the public is advised to:

• Avoid investing in schemes that require recruiting new members for income.
• Stay skeptical of promises of quick wealth and high returns.
• Verify the legitimacy of companies and schemes with regulatory authorities like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) or the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Refrain from attending promotional seminars or joining social media groups that promote such schemes.

The police have also highlighted the importance of reporting any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station or through the cybercrime helpline 1930.