NOIDA– In a blow to cybercrime network authorities have exposed a large-scale call center operation that was systematically defrauding American, Canadian, and Australian citizens by luring them with promises of fake loans. Operating from a seemingly legitimate office in a posh residential complex, the scam relied on the operators’ fluent English and deceptive tactics, costing victims millions of rupees.
Noida Police Uncover Global Loan Scam Targeting Westerners
A meticulously organized fake call center, hidden within the upscale JP Cosmos society in Noida has been dismantled by police, exposing a far-reaching scheme that swindled citizens in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The operation, which presented itself as a legitimate financial institution, used cunning methods and advanced technology to trick individuals seeking loans into parting with their money.
The Elaborate Web of Deceit
According to Noida’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Yamuna Prasad, the gang’s strategy was highly sophisticated. It began with purchasing detailed personal information of American citizens, including their names, emails, ages, professions, and even bank details. Armed with this data, the fraudsters would contact victims via internet-based calling apps like Telegram, Skype, and various Voice over IP (VoIP) services. Posing convincingly as officials from American banks or financial institutions, they would offer attractive loan deals.
Once a victim expressed interest, they were asked for an upfront “processing fee,” often around ₹25,000. To avoid being traced, this money was never requested through bank transfers but through untraceable methods such as Apple eBuy or Walmart gift cards. In a more recent and high-tech twist, the gang also began accepting payments in USDT, a digital currency based on blockchain technology, which made tracking the funds even more difficult. In some cases, if victims were unable to pay directly, the fraudsters would even send fake checks, which, if mistakenly cleared by the victim, would lead to money disappearing from their accounts.
The Bust: A Coordinated Raid
Acting on a confidential tip, the Expressway Police conducted a late-night raid on Tower KM-7 within the JP Cosmos complex. What they found was a fully equipped, professional-looking office. Computer screens displayed open videos, whiteboards were covered with financial targets in dollars, and young men and women, wearing headphones, acted like executives of a multinational corporation.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, including two women. The arrested suspects hailed from various Indian states, including Bihar, Manipur, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Mumbai, highlighting the diverse origins within the criminal network. Police seized a substantial amount of electronic equipment crucial to the operation, including 10 laptops, 16 mobile phones, 9 chargers, 5 headphones, 5 keyboards, 5 mice, and an internet router, among other devices commonly used in cyber fraud.
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The Power of Persuasion: Mastery in English
A key element of the gang’s success was the exceptional communication skills of its members. Almost all the arrested individuals were fluent in English, with some having previous experience in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies and others self-taught. Their ability to imitate American accents, craft professional-sounding emails, and create a convincing atmosphere during video calls made them appear as legitimate financial professionals. This deceptive proficiency built trust with the victims, making it incredibly difficult for them to suspect they were being scammed. This gradual building of confidence was central to their method of extracting money.
Beyond Noida: An Expanding Investigation
DCP Yamuna Prasad stated that the arrested individuals are “extremely clever” and had professionalized the act of defrauding foreign citizens by misusing social media and technology. The ongoing investigation is multifaceted, exploring the possibility that this gang operates with branches in other cities across India. Cybercrime prevention units are actively monitoring similar groups. Police are now conducting thorough digital forensic analyses of the seized mobile phones, laptops, and online accounts to identify more members, uncover any investors funding the operation, and ultimately pinpoint the masterminds behind this extensive network. While American citizens were a primary target, officials have confirmed that the gang also successfully defrauded individuals in Canada and Australia, indicating the truly international scope of their illicit activities.