Fake call centre duping foreigners busted in Thane; five detained

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Thane Police have busted a fake call centre allegedly involved in duping foreign nationals, particularly US citizens, under the pretext of offering software services. The illegal operation was uncovered during a late-night raid in the Ambernath area of Thane district, reported news agency PTI.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ambernath Division) Shailesh Kale, five individuals, including the owner of the call centre, have been detained in connection with the case. The facility was operating out of a business centre and was disguised as a legitimate software services provider, reported PTI.

Foreign nationals targeted through fraudulent calls

Investigations revealed that the accused specifically targeted foreign nationals, especially Americans, by contacting them over phone calls and luring them with offers related to software solutions.

The staff reportedly made hundreds of calls daily, attempting to convince victims to purchase services. In several cases, they successfully extracted money by gaining the trust of the victims through scripted conversations.

Script-based modus operandi to gain trust

Senior Police Inspector Shabbir Sayyed said the employees were trained with pre-designed scripts to make their communication appear authentic and professional. Victims were persuaded to make advance payments for the promised services, reported PTI.

"Once the money was transferred, the victims were blocked and all communication was cut off," the official said, explaining the fraud mechanism, reported PTI.

The police suspect that the racket may have duped multiple victims overseas, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the scale of the operation.

Electronic equipment seized, probe underway

During the raid, which continued till Wednesday morning, police seized electronic gadgets and other equipment used in the fraudulent activities. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Indian Telegraph Act, reported PTI.

Authorities are now working to verify the identities and nationalities of the victims, while also examining digital evidence recovered from the site.

The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb cyber fraud and illegal call centre operations targeting international victims from India.

(With inputs from PTI)