Sun Dec 14 13:40:00 UTC 2025: Noida Scam Busted: Fake OTT Apps Dupe Thousands of NRIs

Noida, India – A major fraud operation has been uncovered in Noida, where scammers allegedly swindled over 37,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the US and Germany out of their money. The scheme involved offering subscriptions to 13 purported OTT apps at significantly discounted rates.

The fraudsters, operating out of a Noida-based company, would purchase legitimate subscriptions to popular OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar. They would then illegally copy the content using software and upload it to their own platform. This pirated content was then offered to customers abroad at prices 50% lower than the cost of genuine subscriptions.

The scam involved a two-pronged approach: copyright infringement by illegally copying content and subscription fraud, where customers were promised 12 or 24-month subscriptions but had their access terminated after only 3-4 months. Once the access was cut, customers were unable to contact the scammers.

Noida police raided a building in Sector-2, arresting six individuals, including the alleged mastermind, a 24-year-old graduate named Tanishka.

Modus Operandi:

  • Data Acquisition: The scammers reportedly obtained customer data from the dark web, specifically targeting NRIs in the US and Germany who faced higher costs for OTT subscriptions in dollars.
  • Virtual Call Center: Using virtual PBX software to hide their location, the scammers would call potential customers and offer them an IPTV service providing access to content from 13 different OTT platforms within a single app.
  • Pirated Content: While the content was copied, software was used to ensure customers received an HD viewing experience.
  • Payment Collection: Customers were enticed with offers to access content that would normally cost them $500 for just $200, and payment was taken via QR codes.
  • Subscription Manipulation: After some time, they block the MAC address after 3-4 months, prompting them to pay again to continue watching

Web Metrix Services Private Limited.

The entire operation was run by opening a company in Noida under the name of Web Metrix Service Private Limited. Tanishka is the Director of the company, she said that they created WhatsApp and Telegram groups in the name of her company. NRIs were added to these groups and made customers. After that OTT content was sent to their WhatsApp or Telegram. Information about subscriptions was also given in these groups. After this, fraud was done.

English-Speaking Employees:

Tanishka said that apart from her, Anil Baghel is a director in the company. They hired about 25 girls. Only those who spoke English well were hired for the job. When the police asked if they were running a call center, do you have DOT and TRAI regulatory licenses, Tanishka said – they knew that they were streaming illegally, so they did not take a license from any Indian or foreign institution.

Investigation Ongoing:

Police are currently investigating the full extent of the fraud, including the total amount of money swindled and whether any customer data was compromised. Authorities urge consumers to subscribe to legitimate OTT services and avoid pirated content, which can expose them to security risks. The arrested individuals have been taken into custody and charged with various offenses, including fraud, copyright infringement, and violation of IT laws.

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