Noida: Uttar Pradesh Police have busted a fake call centre allegedly involved in a nationwide online marketing fraud targeting traders and small business owners. During a raid conducted by Sector-63 Police Station in Noida, 47 individuals were detained from the illegal call centre. After questioning, 44 employees were served notices and released, while the alleged kingpin, his wife, and another associate were arrested and later remanded to judicial custody by a local court.
The arrested accused have been identified as Ranbir Singh, a resident of Indirapuram in Ghaziabad, his wife Jyoti, and Lalit Kumar, a resident of Baraula in Noida. According to investigators, the trio allegedly operated an organised fraud network that targeted traders and small business owners across multiple states.
The investigation revealed that the accused operated an unauthorised call centre from Sector-63, where callers allegedly posed as representatives of reputed marketing companies. They reportedly contacted business owners with promises of increasing sales, providing new customers, securing government-recognised certifications, and boosting business through online marketing services.
Police said the fraudsters allegedly strengthened their credibility by sending fake documents, fabricated tax invoices, and other forged paperwork to make the scheme appear legitimate. Victims were then persuaded to pay registration fees, promotional charges, certification fees, and other service-related costs. Investigators allege that after receiving the payments, the accused neither provided the promised buyers nor delivered any of the advertised services.
During the raid, police seized a substantial quantity of electronic devices and documents from the premises, including 39 smartphones, 9 feature phones, 10 laptops, 36 CPUs, 32 SIM cards, tax invoices, and other business records. Investigators believe the confiscated devices may contain data belonging to thousands of traders from across India, which could help identify additional victims and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud network.
According to Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, fraudsters running such fake marketing operations typically establish trust before exploiting business owners with false promises of commercial growth, government approvals, or customer acquisition services. He advised businesses to independently verify a company’s registration, office address, client reviews, and official credentials before making any payments. He also cautioned against transferring money solely based on phone calls, emails, or WhatsApp messages.
Police are now conducting a forensic examination of the seized mobile phones, laptops, computers, SIM cards, and other digital evidence. Investigators are also analysing bank accounts, financial transactions, and call records to determine how many businesses were targeted and the total amount allegedly defrauded. Authorities have indicated that further arrests and the uncovering of a wider interstate network remain possible as the investigation progresses.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
