Microsoft tech-support scam exposed; two-day search operation yields computers, mobile devices and extensive digital evidence.
Bengaluru – Bengaluru Cyber Police have uncovered a major cyber fraud operation, arresting 21 employees of a bogus software company accused of cheating foreign nationals—primarily US citizens—by impersonating Microsoft technical support staff. The action was carried out jointly by the Cyber Command’s Special Cell and the Whitefield Cyber Crime Police Station, following specific intelligence inputs.
Fraudulent Company Targeted US Citizens
According to investigators, the company—identified as Musk Communications—was operating from a 4,500 sq ft office in the Whitefield area. Preliminary investigation indicates that the firm was established in August 2025 and had been involved in fraudulent activities from the outset.
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Employees were trained to contact US citizens, claim to be “Microsoft-certified technicians,” and convince them of fabricated system errors. Once trust was gained, the callers would obtain remote access to the victims’ devices and charge hefty fees under the pretext of resolving non-existent technical issues.
A criminal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials describe the operation as a “structured and deliberate attempt to run a full-scale international tech-support scam.”
Two-Day Raids, Overnight Searches
The crackdown began after police secured a court-issued search warrant. Raids were conducted on Friday and Saturday under the supervision of DGP Dr. Pronab Mohanty, with technical experts, cyber-security analysts and personnel from nearby police stations forming part of the special team.
Search operations continued throughout the night, and the seizure proceedings were completed by around 11 a.m. on November 15. Police seized multiple desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, storage devices and other equipment suspected to contain key digital evidence.
Officers said several employees were found engaged in “live calling operations” during the raid—attempting to defraud victims in real time. They were taken into custody on the spot.
Search for Key Operators Continues
While 21 staff members have been arrested, police believe that several core handlers and supervisors managed to flee during the operation. Dedicated teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding suspects.
Forensic examination of the confiscated digital devices has begun. Investigators aim to identify the number of foreign victims, the scale of the financial fraud, communication patterns and the overall structure of the network. Early assessments suggest that the operation may be linked to international payment channels and a broader organised cybercrime syndicate.
Sophisticated Tools Point to a Wider Network
Police sources have revealed that the company used advanced calling tools, VoIP systems, overseas data repositories and high-end servers to operate the scam. Employees followed a scripted conversation format designed to instil fear in foreign customers and compel them to pay for fake “technical support services.”
The structured workflow, the technological infrastructure, and the scale of the setup indicate that the racket may be part of a larger fraud network spanning multiple cities—and potentially multiple countries.
Cyber Crime Surveillance Tightened
Bengaluru has witnessed several major crackdowns on tech-support frauds and illegal call centres in recent years. Police officials say that with rising digital dependence, cybercrime networks have become more sophisticated, and foreign nationals remain a key target for these groups.
Authorities emphasised that enforcement has been intensified, especially against operations impersonating multinational technology companies. Citizens—particularly those abroad—have been advised to ignore unsolicited emails, calls or pop-ups claiming to be from tech support teams. Police reiterated that companies such as Microsoft do not initiate unrequested technical support calls.
Investigation Expands, More Arrests Likely
Officials said the investigation will now focus on detailed questioning, recovery of financial records and mapping of cross-border transactions. Teams are also analysing data to identify potential money movement through international gateways. Police suspect that the operation represents only a fraction of a much larger fraud ecosystem, and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
