Rs 20 cr swiped from banks, racket using fake cards busted

New Delhi: The Crime Branch claims to have busted a racket in which the accused duped several banks of crores by swiping fake and stolen credit cards and getting assured cash back against non-existing purchases, running into thousands.

After eight arrests last month, two more — Mohit Jain, a dealer of cosmetics, and Amit Batra, a jeweller — were arrested this week. Between themselves, Jain and Batra defrauded banks up to Rs 12 crore, sources in the Crime Branch said. The total fraud made by the racket could be as big as Rs 20 crore, the sources said.

The others arrested are Jaspal Singh, Amit Shukla and Pankaj Aggarwal (said to be the masterminds), Suresh Goel, Anil Singhal, Rajesh Kalra, Gurpreet Singh and Rajesh. All 10 are into different businesses, the police said.

According to a source, the businessmen showed purchases through Electronic Data Capturing (EDC) machines — used to swipe credit cards — with fake and stolen cards. They reportedly took the cash percentage (5 per cent for customers, 4 per cent for shops/merchants) from different banks.

The police have recovered 206 fake and stolen credit cards of different banks from their possession. The accused got EDC machines issued in the name of seven non-existing companies, the source said.

The source said the con game has been going on since 2007, though the first complaint made by a bank (officers refused to divulge names of the banks) came to the police as late as last November.

Customers usually get cash back up to 5 percent from banks or card providers on shopping through credit cards. Shopowners swipe the cards in EDC machines and send the invoices of purchases to respective banks — the business/service owner usually gets 4 per cent of sales amount, while 2.5 per cent goes to the bank.

The accused, police officials said, took both the 5 per cent cash-back for customers and 4.5 per cent meant for the business owner; and since there were no sales, their articles also remained intact. The police found out that the seven firms they had apparently set up to get the EDC machines also did not exist.

Based on a complaint made by a bank, the Crime Branch registered an FIR in November 2008 under Indian Penal Code Sections related to cheating and forgery. Crime Branch officials said they suspect more persons are involved and the fraud is much larger in scope.

Most Anticipated Games of 2009

Most Anticipated Games of 2009

With the advent of 2009 it’s raining good news all over. Targeting the gaming world we are proud to present the list of most anticipated games of 2009.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Apart from the news that the game is a direct sequel of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare there is almost no info about the game. But my friends if this one is even half as good as its previous installments, then we are looking at another game of the year.

Final Fantasy XIII

The plot focuses on the fal'Cie, a race existing beyond humanity. With some excellent CGI trailers we are sure it’ll be a groin tightening experience and well worth the wait. 

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Ok, so you won’t get play as any of the star Ghost Bustersbut you will be playing as a new recruit who wants to prove that he has what it takes to splattermucousy ghouls with ectoplasmic rays. The game is based two years after the events in Ghostbusters II. It’s Thanksgiving 1991 and paranormal activity is on a rise during unveiling of a certain Gozer exhibit.

The Godfather 2

Set in late 1950’s the game spans over 3 cities: Havana, New York City and Miami. You are, as usual, not a member of the Corleone family, playing as Dominic, a more violent, aggressive and ruthless leader you have to take control of various crime rings, in order to become themost powerful mobster in America.

GTA Chinatown Wars

The story revolves around the Triads and Korean gangs. We will assume the role of Huang Lee age 25, a member of the Triads who is all set to avenge his father’s death.

Halo Wars

The game takes place 20 years before the original Halo: Combat Evolved. No, it’s not another shoot ‘em up. Rather Halo Wars is the first strategy based combat game of the series that allows you to command & control your forces on the battlefield. Characters named so far: Captain James Cutter, Professor Anders, Sergeant John Forge, an Arbiter, Serina, Alice, and the Prophet of Regret.

Resident Evil 5

A Caucasian Protagonist, Black sidekick and African zombies, this game has been criticized of being racist since the launch of its first trailer. But we know it’s gonna be kick ass.

Street Fighter IV 

Apart from new characters and new moves here is a list of add-ons that you’ll get with the game.

• A disc including the animated short film titled Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind.
  
• A soundtrack CD.
  
• Crimson Viper and Ryu figurines.
  
• A comic book style mini strategy guide by Prima, featuring artwork by UDON.
  

And yes all previous characters are back.

Tekken 6

The game boasts a total of 42 characters with more customization options, more moves, longer health bar and weapons. Virtually all of the Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection characters will be returning with new additional characters.

The Beatles Video Game

Based on the Rock Band game play and featuring the musical and visual history of the band the game will hit the markets in late 2009. Harmonix, along with MTV Games and Apple Corps, Ltd are producing this opus of games. Despite building on the Rock Band game play, this will not be a Rock Bandbranded title, and that the songs will not be available as downloadable content for the Rock Band series.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Genelia beats Rani

How does it feels when your capability and talent is sidelined and you are replaced by a young budding actor. This insulting feeling can best be explained by Bengali babe Rani Mukherjee. Rani Mukherjee has been beaten by the new gal Genelia D'souza for Fanta commercial. The reason is Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na actress Genelia D'souza is young and effervesces. She is young new face and now the endorsers are running after her. The Coca Cola Company has broken the contract with Rani Mukherjee owing to her fast decreasing popularity and growing age.

Rani Mukherjee is not only out of Fanta ad but also kicked out of the 'Titan Raga' campaign. The company had the feeling that as the cold drink targets to the young generation, Genelia D'souza would be the best choice as Rani has touched 30 and almost looses her charm.   After Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na hit the box office, Genelia became the hot favorite of the youngsters. A Coca Cola India spokesperson says, "Yes, we have signed Genelia and shot the ad too. It's supposed to come on air by February 15. We have not renewed Rani's contract after it got expired. It is not appropriate for us to give a comment on who is a bigger star -- both are stars in their own right."