Bengaluru. A suspected gift coupon fraud operation targeting people living outside India has come to light in Bengaluru, with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) detaining six people for questioning after uncovering suspicious activities at a premises on Hennur Main Road. Police initially suspected that the premises was being used as a fake call centre to train employees for online fraud. However, further investigation indicated that the activities may be linked to an alleged gift coupon fraud operation targeting people overseas.
According to police, no victim in India has been identified so far. Investigators suspect that the activity could be connected to a network operating from Dubai, although the alleged Dubai connection has not yet been established. Police are examining electronic devices seized from the premises, employee details and other digital evidence to determine whether such a link exists.
FCRF Launches CP-FRM to Build India’s Next Generation of Fraud Risk Professionals
The CCB registered a case on September 26 after receiving information about a suspected fraudulent operation being run from a building in the area. A police team subsequently inspected the premises, where around 60 to 70 young men and women were found working. The number of employees and the arrangements at the location initially raised suspicions that the premises was being used for activities linked to online fraud.
During the early stage of the investigation, police also suspected that employees were being trained to contact potential victims, influence them through different methods and allegedly threaten them. Investigators also suspected the use of SIM cards registered in the names of other people. Police are now trying to determine who used these numbers, whom they contacted and who was operating behind them.
As the questioning and examination of the premises progressed, investigators found indications that the suspicious activities could be connected to alleged gift coupon fraud. Police suspect that people living outside India may have been the primary targets. Investigators are trying to establish how potential victims were contacted, what kind of deception was allegedly used and how money or other information was sought from them in the name of gift coupons.
The CCB has issued notices to more than 60 employees working at the premises. Police have clarified that there is no indication at this stage that every person working there was involved in the alleged activity. Initial questioning has suggested that only some employees may have been aware of the suspicious operations. Police are therefore examining the role of each employee separately and determining what responsibilities had been assigned to them.
Laptops and mobile phones were seized during the investigation and are undergoing technical examination. Police are analysing the devices for information about communications with potential victims, mobile numbers used, messages, digital conversations and other data that could help establish the alleged modus operandi. Investigators are also trying to determine how information about people living overseas was obtained and how they were approached.
So far, police have not found any transaction IDs or clear financial details from the premises that could directly establish a financial link between the suspected fraud and the operation being conducted there. Establishing the financial trail is therefore one of the key challenges before investigators. Police are relying on the analysis of digital devices and information obtained during questioning to pursue this aspect of the probe.
The CCB is continuing its investigation to establish the complete modus operandi of the alleged gift coupon fraud, determine the actual role of employees, identify potential victims and verify the suspected connection with a Dubai-based network. Investigators expect that electronic or financial evidence recovered during the probe could provide greater clarity about the operation. The six detained individuals are being questioned, while the roles of other employees are also being examined.
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.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
