Mumbai Police Busted Fake Call Center, Arrest 13 for Defrauding US Citizens
Mumbai Police have raided a fake call center in Goregaon, arresting 13 individuals for cheating US citizens by impersonating antivirus company representatives.
Mumbai PoliceCyber FraudCall Center ScamGoregaonUs CitizensReal Estate MumbaiSep 17, 2025
According to police, the call center was involved in defrauding US citizens by impersonating representatives of antivirus companies. The scam involved sending emails to US citizens, claiming that their antivirus software, such as 'Greeksquad' and McAfee, needed renewal. These emails included toll-free numbers. When US citizens called, they were instructed to purchase gift cards worth between 250–500 US dollars. The individuals working at the call center would then convert these gift cards into cryptocurrency, thereby cheating the callers.
Acting on a tip-off, the Mumbai Crime Branch team raided the premises on September 15. Upon arrival, they found the call center to be operational. During the search, officials examined phones and computers on-site, confirming the alleged fraudulent activity.
The police seized 15 computers, 10 laptops, and 20 mobile phones. Among those arrested were two owners or operators, one manager, and 10 telecaller agents. A case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, along with sections of the Information Technology Act and the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The entire operation was led under the guidance of senior police officials, including Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, and Deputy Commissioners of the Crime Branch. The team that conducted the operation was headed by Inspector Sachin Gawas and other officials, including Balasaheb Raut, Vijay Raskar, Ajay Sawant, Altaf Khan, Sunil Chavan, Balakrishna Limhana, and other crime branch officials.
The accused will be produced before a court for police custody, and further investigations will follow. This operation is a significant step towards curbing cyber crimes and protecting citizens from fraudulent activities.
The Mumbai Police have been proactive in addressing such crimes, ensuring the safety and security of both local and international victims. The raid and subsequent arrests send a strong message to potential fraudsters that such activities will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and decisive action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the scam conducted by the fake call center?
The scam involved impersonating representatives of antivirus companies and tricking US citizens into purchasing gift cards under the guise of renewing their antivirus software. The gift cards were then converted into cryptocurrency.
How many individuals were arrested in the operation?
Thirteen individuals were arrested, including two owners or operators, one manager, and 10 telecaller agents.
What equipment was seized during the raid?
The police seized 15 computers, 10 laptops, and 20 mobile phones, which were used to carry out the fraudulent activities.
Which laws were the accused charged under?
The accused were charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Who led the operation and what was the role of senior police officials?
The operation was led by Inspector Sachin Gawas and other officials, under the guidance of senior police officials including Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, and Deputy Commissioners of the Crime Branch.
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