Police Warn Against ‘Cockroach’ Online Scam Targeting Quick-Money Seekers

Cybercrime authorities in India have issued a warning over a growing online scam linked to the term “Cockroach”, which is being used by fraudsters to lure people into fake money-making schemes and suspicious mobile applications.

According to police officials, the scam has been spreading through social media platforms, messaging apps and online advertisements. Users are promised quick earnings, cashback rewards or easy investment returns in exchange for downloading apps, joining groups or sharing personal banking details.

Investigators say the fraud typically begins with small payments or fake profits intended to gain the victim’s trust. Once confidence is established, users are persuaded to transfer larger amounts of money or provide access to sensitive financial information such as UPI PINs, OTPs or bank account credentials.

Cyber experts have clarified that the word “Cockroach” itself is not linked to any legitimate financial platform. Instead, scammers are allegedly using unusual or trending names to attract attention online and make their schemes appear different from traditional fraud attempts.

Police have urged people not to click on unknown links or install applications from unofficial sources. Authorities also warned against screen-sharing apps, which criminals often use to gain remote access to victims’ phones and banking apps.

Several victims reportedly lost significant amounts after joining messaging groups that claimed users could earn money by completing online “tasks” or participating in promotional activities. In many cases, the fraudsters disappeared once larger payments were made.

Officials say such scams have increased sharply alongside the growth of digital payments and social media-based marketing. Cybercrime units across multiple states are now tracking networks suspected of operating these schemes through encrypted messaging platforms.

Authorities have advised internet users to verify platforms carefully, avoid unrealistic earning promises and immediately report suspicious activity to the national cybercrime helpline or local police.

Experts say the incident highlights how rapidly online fraud methods are evolving, with scammers increasingly relying on viral trends and psychological tactics to target unsuspecting users.