A cyber fraud racket operating from West Delhi, six individuals have been arrested for orchestrating a credit card scam that cheated innocent users out of nearly Rs 85 lakh. The scheme involved fake calls promising credit limit extensions or new PIN generation, leading victims to install malware on their phones. Authorities say the operation was aided by an intricate web of mule networks spanning Panipat, Bathinda, and Hyderabad.
Malware and Mobile Mayhem
The scam unraveled after a resident of Dwarka, Virender Kumar, received a call about his new credit card’s PIN. He was soon shocked to find an unauthorized withdrawal of Rs 2.81 lakh from his account. Following this, police traced the fraud to a call center run from Vikaspuri. The suspects called customers, manipulated them into downloading a malicious APK (Android application), and gained control over their SMS and mobile access.
Mule Accounts and Mobility
With access to victims’ sensitive data, the perpetrators emptied credit card limits—redirecting funds into mule accounts and splurging on high-value smartphones via e-commerce platforms. These devices were then sold to local mobile shops under the guise of authorized dealer stock. Investigators traced the network’s operations across multiple states, seizing 41 mobile phones, a laptop, router, and written records containing customer banking details.
Digital Surveillance Unlocks Clue Trail
The breakthrough came through a combination of IP tracking, IMEI analysis, UPI transaction logging, telecom trails, and banking linkages. Police revealed that 95 complaints connected to the seized phones had been logged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, contributing to the estimated Rs 85 lakh that victims lost.