Fake Weight-Loss Scam Busted: 150 Women Made Calls, 20 Men Posed as Doctors in ₹80 Crore Fraud

A sophisticated cyber fraud network that allegedly cheated women across India of nearly ₹80 crore through fake weight-loss treatments has been uncovered by the Surat Cyber Crime Police. Investigators claim the operation was run from a Gurugram-based company disguised as a health and wellness business, employing over 170 people in a highly organised scam.

According to police, the company, Curest Science and Wellness Private Limited, presented itself as a legitimate wellness brand while operating what officials described as a “scripted fraud factory.”

The scam reportedly began with attractive Facebook advertisements promising rapid weight loss without exercise or dieting. Once users entered their phone numbers, they were contacted by telecallers posing as health advisors or assistants to reputed doctors.

Police said around 150 women worked as telecallers, building trust with potential victims before transferring calls to 20 male employees who allegedly impersonated doctors using fake identities such as “Dr. M.K. Khanna” and “Dr. Akash Malhotra.” These callers reportedly used convincing medical terminology and altered their voices to appear credible.

Victims were then sent fabricated medical reports containing details such as BMI, metabolism, and body profiles, making the consultations appear genuine. Based on these fake assessments, they were persuaded to purchase expensive weight-loss medicine kits. Once one course ended, they were encouraged to buy additional treatments with promises that results were just around the corner.

Police allege that the gang largely avoided digital payment trails. While small amounts were transferred through bank accounts, the bulk of the money was collected in cash. Members of the network allegedly travelled by air from Delhi to different cities, delivering medicine packets and returning with bags full of cash.

The investigation began after a woman from Surat reportedly lost ₹1.77 crore over five months. When the fraudsters allegedly demanded another ₹81.5 lakh, warning her of severe side effects if she stopped the treatment, she became suspicious and approached the Surat Cyber Crime Police.

Acting on the complaint, police laid a trap and arrested a gang member who had arrived to collect cash. The arrest led investigators to the Gurugram call centre, where they uncovered the wider network.

Authorities say the company was registered in 2021 and had allegedly been operating this model since 2022. During the raids, police recovered laptops, mobile phones, and large quantities of suspected fake medicines.

Additional Commissioner of Police Dr. Karanrajsinh Vaghela said four people from Gurugram have been arrested so far. Investigators identified one accused, Arsalan, as an expert at changing his voice to impersonate different doctors. Two women telecallers allegedly used fake identities to convince victims that they were receiving professional medical advice.

Police also named the company's alleged main director Amit Gaurav, Chief Administration Officer Pankaj Sharma, and manager Deepak as key suspects who remain absconding. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify additional victims and trace the remaining accused.

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