Alappuzha/Kannur: A multi-crore scam promising scooters, sewing machines, and laptops at half price has defrauded thousands of people across Kerala, with losses exceeding ₹100 crore. Investigators suspect the actual figure could be even higher, as new complaints continue to emerge from across the state.
Operating under the fake banner of the “National NGO Confederation,” the fraud specifically targeted women by promoting affordable deals on essential goods. The prime suspect, Ananthu Krishnan (26) from Kudayathoor, Thodupuzha, has been arrested and remanded in Muvattupuzha jail. Authorities believe further interrogation will uncover the full scale of the fraud and potentially lead to more arrests.
How the Scam Operated
The scam was carefully planned, using WhatsApp groups under the name “Seed Society” to attract unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters gained credibility by involving local ward members and influential figures in different districts.
The con artists offered high-value products at seemingly unbelievable discounts, including:
- Scooters worth ₹1,20,000 for just ₹60,000
- Sewing machines at half price
- Discounted laptops
To build trust, the scammers even set up a tailoring cluster at Kshema Niketan (under the jurisdiction of Kozhikode police) and distributed school kits in partnership with a Police Cooperative Society in Kannur. These fake initiatives helped convince more people to fall for the fraudulent scheme.
Growing Complaints and Police Investigation
With complaints pouring in from all districts, Kerala Police have launched a detailed investigation into the network behind the scam. Authorities suspect that multiple individuals and organizations may have been unknowingly or knowingly involved in facilitating the fraud.
Law enforcement officials are now tracking the money flow to determine whether the scammed funds were transferred abroad or invested elsewhere. Police have also urged the public to come forward and report any similar fraudulent activities to prevent further financial losses.
This massive scam has shaken public trust, highlighting the urgent need for stricter digital fraud monitoring and consumer awareness campaigns to protect people from such deceptive schemes in the future.
