The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate's Cyber Crime Unit recently uncovered a major cyber fraud operation involving a fake call center. This syndicate was targeting both national and international clients, fraudulently posing as customer service agents for antivirus software services. The operation revealed a significant cybercrime network operating in Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar.
Background of the Incident
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) received intelligence about a group of cyber criminals secretly operating in Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar. Acting swiftly, the Bhubaneswar Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station launched an investigation, discovering a fake call center at Block A-205, Kokila Kanchan Tower. This call center was operating under the guise of an organized crime syndicate.
Unveiling the Call Center
On October 16, 2024, during a raid conducted by the investigation team, six individuals were found using laptops and mobile phones to make calls to foreign customers. When asked to provide legitimate documents or authorization for the call center, they were unable to do so, confirming the illegal nature of their operations.
Items Seized
The following incriminating items were seized during the raid:
- 06 laptops
- 11 mobile phones
- Jio Air Fiber, cables, Wi-Fi routers, and other external devices
The Fraud Scheme
Haider Ali, the leader of the call center, revealed that his six-member team had been sending fraudulent emails to clients, both nationally and internationally, who had subscribed to antivirus software. They impersonated customer care agents, providing fake contact numbers, and tricked customers into making fraudulent transactions. The group, acting as "call openers," interacted with victims in English and earned approximately ₹1 lakh per month through these scams.
Criminal Nature of the Operation
This operation constituted an organized cybercrime ring that specialized in identity theft, forging documents, and stealing credentials from genuine customers. Their fraudulent activities extended beyond national boundaries, making this a significant case of cyber fraud.
Details of the Accused
The police have arrested all members of the syndicate, hailing from Kolkata, West Bengal:
- Sameer Mobin (26)
- Md. Javed Hussain (26)
- Md. Tosif (23)
- Faizan Alam (24)
- Shaaib Raza (22)
- Md. Haider Ali (34)
This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime, where technology is being exploited to defraud innocent victims. The bust of this fake call center is a significant victory for law enforcement, but it serves as a reminder for the public to stay vigilant and cautious.
Awareness, caution, and staying informed about cyber threats are the most effective ways to protect against such cybercriminals.
