Cyber Crime
How a Ranchi Call Center Scammed Thousands in the UK and Australia
Jharkhand CID busts a call center scam in Ranchi, targeting individuals in the UK and Australia.
RANCHI: The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has successfully shut down a sophisticated call center operating out of Ranchi’s B M Heights area. The center’s targets were foreign citizens, primarily from the United Kingdom and Australia, who were allegedly defrauded of substantial sums of money.
Modus Operandi of the Cybercriminal Ring:
The investigation exposed a well-organized transnational gang running the call center. Their scheme revolved around two main tactics:
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Tech Support Scam: The perpetrators posed as representatives of reputable telecommunication companies like British Telecom and Telstra. They would make contact with potential victims, expressing concern about internet speed issues and promising a swift resolution. The scammers would then manipulate the victims into installing remote access software like Anydesk and Aweray Remote (AweSun) Lite on their devices, granting them control over the victims’ systems.
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Government Extortion: Once access was gained, the gang created fake government IDs using Proton Mail, a privacy-focused email service. Disguised as legitimate entities like the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), they would send bogus notices to the victims. To further the deception, fake letters from prominent banks like Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds were sent, demanding money under the guise of ongoing investigations.
Massive Scale of the Operation:
The investigation uncovered a significant data breach, with the personal details of over 300,000 UK and Australian citizens compromised and used to target victims. This data included phone numbers, names, addresses, and age brackets.
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The call center employed internet calling software like ViCi Dial, EyeBeam, and Skype to make overseas calls. Initial investigations suggest that the laundered proceeds were funneled through financial applications like Monese and Revolut, both headquartered in the United Kingdom.
Repeat Offenders Apprehended:
The investigation revealed that two of the apprehended individuals were not new to cybercrime. They had prior arrests in a similar case lodged in Gorakhpur. These repeat offenders continued their criminal activities by setting up this call center with their associates. Crucial leads and insights into the gang’s operation were obtained with the assistance of the Cyber Cell in Gorakhpur and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Public Safety Measures:
The Jharkhand CID urges the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant against such scams. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Never share personal financial information without verifying the source’s legitimacy.
- Do not install remote access software on your devices based on unsolicited calls.
- Be wary of fear-inducing messages, pop-ups, or emails.
- Report any suspected cybercrime to the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or through the official portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in
By staying informed and exercising caution, citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to these elaborate cyber frauds.
Jharkhand CID’s efforts to combat cybercrime serve as a reminder of the growing importance of vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies across the country. The extensive data breach highlights the need for stricter data protection regulations and increased awareness among citizens regarding online safety.