In this modus operandi, fraudsters create fake email id or social media profile and approach manufacturers of chemical or seeds.

In this modus operandi, fraudsters create fake email id or social media profile and approach manufacturers of chemical or seeds. They are almost always based abroad and identify themselves as doctors or subject experts in need of a specific chemical or seed.

Once a person agrees to supply the seeds or chemical, he is asked to submit a deposit or make forward payment for large shipment orders. The callers/ email claim that once the samples are found satisfactory, bigger order would be placed – which never comes through.

Experts believe that India-based Nigerian gangs are active in this fraud where they send across hundreds of emails or read script to lure citizens on phone.