The Directorate of Enforcement has uncovered a huge scam where a group of youngsters started illegal call centers and duped US citizens for more than 130 crors in just 2-3 years.
The group was running an illegal call center in Noida citing themselves as technical support providers to deceive US citizens.
How the Scam Worked
A group of illegal workers set up a fake call center named themselves tech supporters. the duped US citizens into ensuring that their computers had problems. Once the person gave them remote access to their system, the scammers stole their personal and financial information.Using this information they took money from their accounts
Who Was Involved?
There were three main scammers named Arjun Gulati, Divyansh Goel, and Abhinav Kalra.They cheated this much amount from US citizens.
What ED Found
The ED found 30 bank accounts linked to the accused, they seized 8 luxury cars and expensive watches, and properties worth 100 crore.
Legal Action
The case is being investigated.The ED started the probe based on a CBI case under the IPC and IT Act.Investigations are still going on to find out how big the network really is and who else was involved.
Conclusion
The ED has crackdown on this illegal call center scam and highlights the growing threat of cyber frauds that can affect people abroad too. By tracing money , freezing accounts, the authorities have sent strong message that such crime will not be tolerated. This cyber crime also reminds people to stay alert while dealing with unknown calls and online support services.
FAQs
Ans: A group in Delhi and Gurugram ran fake tech-support call centres that tricked U.S. citizens into giving access to their computers and stole money worth ₹130 crore.
Ans: The scam was operated by Arjun Gulati, Divyansh Goel, and Abhinav Kalra, who managed the fake call centres and laundered the money.
Ans: The ED traced suspicious transactions, froze 30 bank accounts, seized luxury cars, watches, and properties, and linked them to the scam using PMLA and IT Act provisions.
Ans: The case is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, along with IPC and IT Act violations. Further action is ongoing against the accused.
Ans: Avoid giving remote access to strangers, never share sensitive financial information on calls, and verify any unsolicited tech-support contacts before responding.