The police explained that the gang would go to the individual with the payment receipt, collect half the bill amount and share it amongst themselves. This fraud has been going on for the past six months. Among the eight arrested persons was Mohd. Abdul Aleem. He was arrested on similar charge three months ago.

Police suspect that the fraud might be on a much larger proportion all over the city. “There could be many persons like Moulana leaking vital data. We’re trying to track them,” the DCP explained. The DCP also warned the people who paid water, power and property tax bills through this gang, saying that they too were liable for punishment and a probe was on to identify them.

Presently, no case has been registered as the fraud was committed using credit card information of foreigners .The city police are writing to the American Express company officials about the fraud busted here. They warned people not to fall prey to the lures of such gangs offering to clear civic amenity bills with less payment.