The growing network of mule bank accounts has emerged as a major challenge for police investigating cyber fraud cases in Lucknow. Cybercriminals are increasingly using bank accounts opened in other people's names to receive and move fraudulently obtained money, often luring account holders with commissions or misusing their personal information.
Over the past few months, police have identified 3,707 mule accounts across the city. Of these, 3,364 accounts have been frozen, while action is pending against the remaining 343. As many as 1,425 mule accounts were identified in Gomtinagar, Gundaba and Bakshi Ka Talab areas of Lucknow's eastern zone.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kiran Yadav, cybercriminals generally avoid routing fraudulent money directly through their own accounts. Instead, they use pre-arranged bank accounts to receive money from victims and then transfer it through multiple accounts.
In several cases, the money is split and moved through different accounts, creating a complex transaction trail and making it difficult for investigators to identify the actual beneficiaries.
Suspicious Bank Accounts, Mobile Numbers Under Police Radar
Mule accounts have also become crucial leads for police trying to trace the flow of money following cyber fraud. Along with bank accounts, investigators are monitoring mobile connections and devices allegedly linked to cybercriminals.
Between January 1 and June 21, 2026, 2,222 suspicious mobile numbers were uploaded to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Of these, 1,710 numbers have been blocked. The highest number of suspicious mobile numbers, 722, were detected in Lucknow's Southern Zone.
During the same period, police also identified 678 suspicious IMEI numbers, of which 599 have been blocked.
How Cybercriminals Trap Victims
Fraudsters typically contact victims by phone and create a sense of urgency using pretexts such as bank account closure, KYC updates, unpaid electricity bills, illegal parcels, digital arrest threats, investment schemes or fake job offers.
Victims are then persuaded to share banking details, click on malicious links, install apps or transfer money directly into accounts controlled by the fraud network.
Police Freeze Accounts To Stop Further Losses
The freezing of 3,364 out of 3,707 identified mule accounts is a significant step in preventing further movement of fraudulent funds. Police said that quick reporting by victims can increase the chances of stopping or recovering the money.
Anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud should immediately report the incident by calling 1930 or approaching the nearest cybercrime police station.
How To Stay Safe
- Never share your OTP, PIN, CVV or net banking password with anyone.
- Do not download banking or remote-access applications through links sent by strangers.
- Banks, police and government agencies do not ask people to transfer money over the phone under threat.
- Never allow another person to use your bank account in exchange for a commission.
- If unknown money is credited to your account, inform your bank instead of transferring it elsewhere.
- Preserve suspicious phone numbers, links and account details and report them promptly.
Cybercriminals Target Villagers And Young People
Cybercrime gangs are increasingly recruiting people to provide access to bank accounts. Rural residents are often lured with promises of easy money, while young people may be offered commissions in exchange for allowing others to use their accounts.
Police warn that becoming a mule account holder can have serious consequences, as such accounts are often used to conceal the identity of the actual fraudsters and move money obtained from cybercrime.