New Delhi, In a dramatic midnight operation, Delhi Police dismantled a bogus call centre that hadSix Men Arrested as Police Crack Down on ₹85 Lakh Fake Call Centre
New Delhi, In a bold midnight raid, Delhi Police shut down a fake call centre that was tricking people from different states out of their money.
Six men were caught in the act, and officials called it a “well-run fraud operation” that had stolen nearly ₹85 lakh from unsuspecting people.
The Operation
The police got a reliable tip about a suspicious office in a busy market area.
At first, the place looked like a regular customer service center with desks, headsets, and computers. But what was really going on was far more sinister — it was a high-tech place used for scamming people.
During the raid, the police arrested the main person behind the fraud, two of his top workers, and three call agents.
They also found many mobile phones, SIM cards, fake IDs, and laptops with lists of victims and scripts used to fool people.
According to police, the group had been running this scam for more than eight months, making fake calls to people in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and possibly other areas.
How the Scam Worked
The people involved used a set of carefully planned scripts to scare and pressure their victims.
Sometimes they pretended to be bank staff, telling people about fake transactions.
Other times, they acted like officials from government agencies, claiming that accounts would be frozen unless people provided details.
In some cases, they faked being digital wallet workers, offering good cashback deals if people updated their KYC information.
Once victims gave away secrets like OTPs, card PINs, or bank login details, the scammers quickly moved the money.
To avoid being caught, they spread the stolen money into many different accounts, known as mule accounts.
Real-Life Victims
One of the victims was a 64-year-old retired teacher from Ghaziabad who lost all her savings.
“The caller used banking terms I didn’t understand. He said my account was under threat. I panicked and gave the OTP. In just a few minutes, more than ₹3 lakh was gone,” she said, still upset.
Another victim, an IT engineer from Mumbai, explained, “They called me with a great cashback offer.
They already knew my wallet ID, so I trusted them. I lost ₹75,000. It was a big letdown.”
Police said these stories show how scammers use emotions like fear, anxiety, and trust to trick people.
Tracking the Money
The scammers didn’t keep the stolen money in a single place.
Instead, they used a chain of accounts managed by money mules — people who let their accounts be used for a small fee. Many of these accounts were opened using fake or stolen identities.
The stolen money was quickly taken out, put into cryptocurrency, or sent abroad through hidden money networks.
So far, only about ₹12 lakh has been frozen, and the rest is hard to trace.
Police Statement
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime), Anita Verma, said in a press statement, “This wasn’t an amateur operation.
It was a professional fraud group with daily targets, training manuals, and performance checking. Everyone had a fixed script and rewards for making more money. We are looking into their wider connections now.”
A Growing Problem
This case shows a bigger issue in India, where fake call centres have become common in major cities.
With more people using digital payments, cybercriminals are taking advantage of people’s lack of knowledge.
Government data shows that in 2024, the national cyber crime helpline 1930 received over 12 lakh complaints.
Fake call centres were a big part of that, often targeting elderly people and new digital users.
Cybersecurity expert Rahul Mishra said, “Scammers use people’s fears — about losing money, being blocked, or facing police action.
The urgency they create makes people act without thinking. Even smart, city-based people can fall for it.”
Government Efforts
Authorities have started several programs to tackle scams:
1930 Cyber Helpline: A system to stop fraud quickly if people report it in time.
Awareness Campaigns: Advertisements on TV, radio, and social media warning people not to share OTPs or passwords.
Raid Operations: Regular checks on suspected fraudulent call centres.
Challenges Remain
However, many victims are hesitant to report scams because of embarrassment or fear.
This delay often lets scammers move the money beyond recovery.
Important Tips for Everyone
This case shows important steps people can take to protect themselves in the digital age:
Banks, police, and government agencies never ask for OTPs or passwords.
Don’t trust calls that seem official, even if they sound real.
Always check contact details through official websites.
Report suspicious calls or scams to the 1930 helpline right away.
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself.
Once money is taken, it’s really hard to get it back.
What’s Next
The six accused are in police custody and will face charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
Investigators are looking into other conspirators, money mules, and possible connections in other states or countries.
A senior officer suggested there’s a larger network: “These centers operate like branches.
Close one, and another opens somewhere else. It’s a cycle, but we’re going after them with smart, planned raids.”
The Fight Goes On
As India moves towards more digital transactions, scammers are coming up with new tricks faster than ever.
From phishing texts to fake lottery wins, the list of scams is growing.
The ₹85 lakh case is more than just money lost — it’s about trust being broken.
Each victim’s story shows how important it is to stay alert in the digital world.
The battle against cybercrime isn’t over.
But with better enforcement, quick reporting, and public awareness, the balance can begin to shift in favor of ordinary people.
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