Alappuzha/Kannur: A large-scale scam promising scooters, sewing machines, and laptops at half price has defrauded people across Kerala of over ₹100 crore. 

The fraud was carried out under the name of the "National NGO Confederation," and the total amount scammed could be even higher. A majority of the victims were women.

The prime accused, Ananthu Krishnan (26), hailing from Kudayathoor, Thodupuzha, was arrested and remanded in Muvattupuzha. Police believe questioning him will reveal the full extent of the scam. Following his arrest, complaints have been pouring in from all districts.

The scam involved offering scooters worth ₹1,20,000 for just ₹60,000. Fraudsters created WhatsApp groups under the name "Seed Society," leveraging the influence of local ward members and others to gain credibility.

To enhance their legitimacy, the scammers even set up a tailoring cluster at Kshema Niketan, which is under Kozhikode police. They also distributed school kits in collaboration with a Police cooperative society in Kannur.