Mumbai Crime Branch Cracks Down on Fake Call Centers, Arrests 31 in Cyber Fraud Cases

Mumbai: In a significant move against cybercrime, the Mumbai Crime Branch has uncovered five fake call centers operating across the city over the past nine months, arresting 31 individuals accused of duping Indian and foreign citizens through fraudulent schemes.

The cases, which involve scams targeting victims both in India and abroad, highlight the growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks and the challenges authorities face in combating them.

First Raid in Powai: Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Sold Abroad

The first case came to light on February 1, when Crime Branch Unit 10 raided a call center in Powai. Six people were arrested in connection with the scam, which involved selling erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis to U.S. citizens without prescriptions or proper licenses.

During the raid, police seized multiple computers, hard drives, and mobile phones, believed to hold records of transactions and communications with victims.

“These individuals were running a cross-border scam, exploiting vulnerable people looking for medical assistance online,” a senior police official said.

Amazon Scam in Sahar: Targeting Canadian Citizens

On April 4, Unit 10 uncovered another call center operating under the guise of Amazon customer support in Sahar. This time, the victims were Canadian citizens, who received messages warning of unauthorized iPhone purchases. The fraudulent call center tricked them into sharing personal and financial information.

Police arrested five people involved in this operation, though authorities say the mastermind behind the scheme is still at large.

“These scams are designed to intimidate and confuse victims, making them comply without realizing they are being defrauded,” the official added.

A Growing Threat, A Cautionary Tale

The recent crackdowns underscore how ordinary people can fall prey to cyber fraud, often from the comfort of their homes. From fraudulent medical sales to fake customer support calls, the schemes are diverse, sophisticated, and cross-border in nature.

Authorities urge citizens to be extremely cautious with unsolicited calls, messages, or emails requesting personal or financial information.

“Awareness is the first step toward prevention. People must verify the authenticity of any call or message before sharing sensitive details,” the official said.

Looking Ahead

The Crime Branch has pledged to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle any further operations linked to these call centers. The arrests send a strong message that cyber fraud will not be tolerated, and law enforcement is keeping pace with criminals exploiting technology for personal gain.

As investigations continue, the authorities encourage anyone who suspects a scam to report it immediately to the police or the cybercrime helpline.

These operations highlight both the dangers of online fraud and the critical role of vigilant law enforcement in protecting citizens at home and abroad.