14 July,2026 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Police said the callers allegedly persuaded the victim to share his credit card details on various pretexts before carrying out unauthorised online transactions. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police have dismantled three fake call centres and arrested 12 people accused of cheating insurance policyholders by posing as representatives of a private health insurance company, reported the PTI.
During the operation, officers seized computers, mobile phones, gold and other valuables worth more than Rs 17 lakh, according to the police.
The investigation began after a complainant approached Govandi Police last month, claiming he had been contacted by fraudsters offering to process a no-claim bonus of Rs 1.53 lakh on his health insurance policy, according to the PTI.
Police said the callers allegedly persuaded the victim to share his credit card details on various pretexts before carrying out unauthorised online transactions amounting to Rs 3.43 lakh.
A case was subsequently registered under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
A technical investigation by the cyber team traced the operation to a fake call centre operating from Kohinoor City Mall in Kurla (West).
Police raided the premises and arrested six suspects. Officers also seized computers, laptops, routers, mobile phones, SIM cards and call scripts allegedly used to convince customers to reveal confidential banking and credit card information.
Investigators further alleged that the accused used stolen credit card details to purchase gold coins and other valuable items online.
Questioning of the arrested suspects led investigators to a larger network.
Acting on fresh information, police raided two additional fake call centres - one operating from the same shopping complex in Kurla and another in Asalfa village in Ghatkopar. Six more suspects were arrested during the follow-up operations.
In total, police recovered 29 computers, five laptops, 15 mobile phones, three routers, 15 SIM cards, fraudulent call scripts and 28.05 grams of gold, allegedly purchased using the proceeds of the fraud.
The total value of the seized property has been estimated at Rs 17.18 lakh.
Investigators believe the group targeted insurance policyholders across several states using a similar method of operation.
Police said further investigations are continuing and additional arrests are likely.
(with PTI inputs)
