The Cyber Crime Cell of CID Crime in Gandhinagar has dismantled a widespread online scam that targeted gamers across India through Instagram. The fraudsters tricked users into buying in-game UC (Unknown Cash) coins for the popular mobile game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) at heavily discounted prices, officials reported on Friday.

The perpetrators operated through several fake Instagram accounts that advertised cheap UC coins. To build trust, they initially delivered a small quantity of coins to buyers. Once the victims were convinced, the scammers falsely claimed that the victims’ gaming IDs had been flagged and could be banned. They then demanded additional payments to “resolve” these fake reports, promising refunds that never materialized. Payments were collected via QR codes sent over WhatsApp, but the promised coins or refunds were never delivered.

Acting on a tip, the cybercrime unit raided a residence in Nidhi Bungalows Society, Palanpur, located in Banaskantha district, on Thursday. Seven suspects were arrested during the operation: Shailesh Chaudhary (21) from Ranesari village, Tharad taluka; Sendha Chaudhary (22) from Kumbhardi village, Vav taluka; Jitendra Chaudhary (20) from Sherau village, Tharad; Suresh Chaudhary (20) from Lodnor village, Tharad; Rahulkumar Chaudhary (20) from Patiyasra village, Tharad; Narsinh Chaudhary (19) also from Kumbhardi; and Rahul Chaudhary (19) from Savarakha village, Tharad.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and cautioning the public against falling for such fraudulent online schemes.