As the district waits to turn into an investment hub, it has already earned infamy for allegedly being a hub of cyber fraudsters
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Though Morigaon district is eyeing major investments during Advantage Assam, it is also notorious for certain issues, particularly bank fraud, which has earned it the moniker "Jamtara of Assam." Located 77 kilometre from Guwahati, Morigaon is rapidly emerging as a cyber-fraud hub, with victims not just in Assam but across the country. Prominent business people, government employees, and even Supreme Court advocates have fallen prey to fraudsters operating from Morigaon.
The activities of these fraudsters, who function from remote riverine areas, have caught the attention of security agencies. Initially, it seemed improbable that such a large number of youths were involved in the crime.
Morigaon Superintendent of Police, Hemanta Das, told GPlus, “The cyber-crimes in Morigaon are not the same as those in Jamtara,” explaining that in Morigaon, it mainly involves bank fraud.
Describing their modus operandi, Das said fraudsters first create forged SIM cards, then manipulate PAN cards by pasting their own photos onto them. They specifically select PAN numbers with high CIBIL scores, which they obtain from certain websites for a fee. Using the fake PAN details, they create Aadhaar cards with the original PAN holder's name but their own photograph. “The fraudsters then open bank accounts online and apply for loans using these fake documents,” Das explained. Once the loan is disbursed, they transfer the amount via UPI or online shopping before permanently discarding the SIM cards.
The original PAN card holder remains unaware of the fraud until they receive a loan recovery notice from the bank. Banks then file police complaints, prompting investigations.
From 2022 to February 2025, 44 cyber fraud cases were registered in Morigaon, leading to the arrest of 249 accused individuals. A total of ₹58 crore was sanctioned as loans, out of which police successfully froze ₹3,58,64,000 from the fraudsters’ accounts. Additionally, 7,700 SIM cards were recovered, and seven people—including a distributor and six retailers—were arrested for illegally issuing SIM cards.
According to Das, cyber fraud activities are concentrated in the Moirabari and Lahorighat areas. Many youths travel to cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore to learn basic computer skills before graduating to commit fraud.
Morigaon District Commissioner, Devasish Sharma, stated, “Poverty in some families drives young people into crime,” adding that proper guidance, awareness, and education are essential for change. He noted that awareness campaigns have already led to a decline in incidents.
Das confirmed that while the number of cases has reduced following several arrests, the police remain vigilant.
