WONDA BLOGS

In the world of franchising, trust is everything. But the recent controversy surrounding Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , the man at the center of the SGF India franchise scam , has sent shockwaves across the investor community in India. Promoted as a promising vegetarian fast-food franchise, SGF India lured investors with bold claims of guaranteed returns, low-risk business models, and hands-free management. However, what many believed to be a solid investment turned out to be a cautionary tale of deception, broken promises, and alleged fraud. Kewal Ahuja SGF This article explores the rise and fall of SGF India’s franchise model and Kewal Ashwani Ahuja’s role in what is now being called one of the most concerning franchise fraud cases in India. The Allure of SGF India’s Franchise Model Launched as a vegetarian QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) concept, SGF India , under the leadership of Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , expanded aggressively through a FOCO (Franchise Owned, Company Operated) model. This ap...

Google has issued a stern warning about the growing sophistication of online scams, predicting a potential $1 trillion surge in fraud losses in 2025. As scammers evolve, they are using increasingly clever tactics to deceive individuals and businesses alike. Despite heightened awareness, cybercriminals are employing more advanced techniques to evade detection, making it harder than ever to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent activities. Scam The Global Anti-Scam Alliance revealed that cybercriminals stole an eye-watering $1 trillion worldwide in 2024. In the United States alone, the Federal Trade Commission reported a 25% rise in fraud-related losses compared to the previous year. Google’s latest blog post highlights the most alarming scam trends to watch for in 2025, including fake travel sites, toll fee scams, and increasingly sophisticated AI-driven fraud tactics. Here are the key scam trends Google warns about: 1. Fake Customer Support Scammers are impersonating custo...

In a fresh development in the Shalarth ID scam, former Deputy Director of Education, Vaishali Jamdar, is facing new graft allegations. These accusations, uncovered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), add a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, which already involves fraudulent appointments and the manipulation of the Shalarth portal, a key digital platform for managing teacher records and salaries in Maharashtra. Former Deputy Director Vaishali Jamdar According to sources, Jamdar allegedly demanded a bribe from a teacher to clear official procedures. When the teacher refused, it is claimed that retaliatory actions were taken against them. As a result, the SIT is considering registering a zero FIR and transferring the case to Wardha district for further investigation. This new revelation has raised serious concerns regarding corruption within the education system, with the SIT working swiftly to follow the trail of illegal activities. Previously, Jamdar's rol...

In a significant breakthrough, the Central Unit of Mumbai's Cyber Cell has successfully arrested two individuals from Pune, involved in a shocking case of digital fraud that saw a senior citizen from Mumbai being swindled out of ₹1.72 crore. The accused, Ajay Sunder Divekar (40) and Nitin Atmaram More (41), were detained from the Fursungi area of Pune. Scam The fraudsters initially contacted the victim, posing as representatives of DHL customer service, claiming that a parcel linked to the complainant contained illegal items, including a passport, credit card, and MDMA drugs. They then falsely accused the senior citizen of using his mobile number in connection with illegal activities and threatened him with imminent arrest unless he complied with their demands. Exploiting the victim's fear of arrest, a typical tactic in "digital arrest" scams, the culprits coerced him into transferring a staggering ₹1.72 crore from his bank account. The money was subsequently laund...

Indian franchising industry has been a ray of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own ventures with reduced risk, particularly in times of recession. Among the several brands that had emerged, SGF (Spice Grill Flame) India stood out for its commitment to profitability and support. Under the leadership of Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , the company rolled out its vegetarian food chain into numerous cities at a whirlwind speed. This whirlwind speed expansion, however, soon got replaced by mounting charges of mismanagement, financial fraud, and unfulfilled promises. This article examines the rise and decline of SGF India, focusing on the misleading franchise model that put numerous investors in trouble and left them disappointed. Kewal Ashwani Ahuja The Charm of SGF’s Franchise Model SGF India entered the market with two franchise models: FOFO (Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated) and FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated). FOCO model was of special interest during the COVID-19 pa...

A Reddit post by a Bengaluru traveler has sparked widespread discussion about ride-hailing scams after he was tricked by a fake Uber driver at Kempegowda International Airport . The incident, which occurred around 3 AM, highlights the risks associated with late-night travel and the importance of verifying ride details before hopping into a cab. The Reddit user shared his experience of booking an Uber for ₹800 shortly after landing in Bengaluru. Upon arriving at the Uber designated pickup zone, a man approached him, claiming to be the assigned driver. However, the driver told him that his car was parked “a little further away,” prompting the unsuspecting passenger to follow him. A Reddit user shared being scammed by a fake Uber driver at Bengaluru airport after leaving the pickup zone, paying ₹1,000 for a ride not booked through the app. Things quickly took a turn for the worse. The driver requested the One-Time Password (OTP) sent by Uber for verification, which seemed routine. But w...

Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha , has credited the company’s remarkable growth and success to its use of open-source software. As one of India's leading discount brokerage firms, Zerodha has set itself apart by leveraging technology in innovative ways to make trading more accessible and affordable. Zerodha In a recent interview, Kamath highlighted that open-source software has been crucial in building the infrastructure that powers Zerodha’s platforms. By relying on open-source tools, the company has been able to significantly reduce its technology costs while maintaining the flexibility to scale and innovate. This approach has allowed Zerodha to offer high-quality trading services without the hefty fees that many competitors face due to proprietary software solutions. Zerodha ’s tech-driven approach is one of the key factors behind its ability to offer low-cost services, which has made it the go-to platform for millions of retail investors in India. Kamath’s focus on makin...

 In a troubling case of fraud, a Bengaluru-based builder has been booked by the Kodigehalli police for allegedly deceiving 34 families and making off with significant sums of money. The incident came to light when residents of a residential complex in Kodigehalli were told to vacate their flats by a group claiming ownership. The residential complex is located in Kodigehalli. The problem started in January 2024 when the individuals, who claimed to own the properties, instructed the residents to vacate the building. This led to a series of complaints from tenants who had leased the flats, believing they were renting from legitimate owners. One of the victims, who lodged the complaint with the authorities, stated that she had leased a flat from the builder, identified as A.K. Raghu, in November 2023 for ₹26 lakh. She further revealed that she and others had been paying significant sums under the assumption that they were legally renting the property, only to discover later that the ...