Delhi Police have arrested five people for allegedly running a cyber fraud operation in which credit card holders were lured with promises of higher credit limits and directed to a fake website designed to resemble a genuine banking portal.
Investigators allege that confidential card information entered by victims on the fraudulent website was captured and subsequently used to carry out unauthorised transactions.
Higher Credit Limit Used as the Lure
The case came to light following a complaint by Prashant Sharma, a resident of Karawal Nagar.
According to the complaint, Sharma received a call from a person claiming to be a bank representative who offered to increase his credit card limit.
During the conversation, he was directed to a website allegedly created by the suspects. After entering confidential credit card information, unauthorised transactions worth ₹31,663 were carried out from his account.
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Fraud Money Allegedly Used to Buy Gold Bar
Investigators found that the allegedly defrauded money was used to purchase a one-gram gold bar, which was delivered in the Tilak Nagar area.
Police initially arrested Karan and Rakesh in connection with the case.
Their interrogation subsequently led investigators to Faizan, Gaurav and Raunak, who were also arrested.
How Did the Alleged Call Centre Operate?
According to police, Karan and Rakesh operated a call centre from Mangolpuri and contacted potential victims.
They allegedly introduced themselves as bank representatives and offered to increase customers’ credit card limits or provide related services.
After gaining the victims’ confidence, they directed them to the fraudulent website.
The website was allegedly designed to resemble a genuine banking portal. Victims entering their credit card details on the site unknowingly provided sensitive information to the suspects, which was then allegedly used for unauthorised payments and purchases.
Different Roles Allegedly Assigned to Gang Members
Investigators have identified different alleged roles within the suspected network.
Faizan is accused of providing SIM cards and mobile phones to those operating the call centre.
Gaurav Sharma allegedly created and operated the fake website, while Raunak is suspected of making payments for its development.
The investigation indicates that different members allegedly handled calls, technical infrastructure and other operational activities.
Phones and Laptop Seized
Police recovered several electronic devices during the investigation.
One mobile phone was seized from Karan, while eight other mobile phones were recovered from Karan and Rakesh. A laptop was also seized from Gaurav.
Investigators suspect the laptop was used to create the fraudulent website and are examining the recovered devices for further digital evidence.
Links to 14 Cybercrime Complaints Under Probe
Analysis of the recovered mobile phones has revealed possible links to 14 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Investigators are examining these complaints to determine whether the accused were allegedly involved in additional fraud cases.
Police are also trying to establish how many people may have been targeted and the total amount involved.
Police Probe Wider Network and Digital Trail
According to the investigation, Karan had studied up to Class 10 and Rakesh up to Class 8, and both were involved in selling footwear. Police said previous cases relating to theft and the Arms Act had been registered against them.
Faizan has allegedly been involved in three earlier cases relating to robbery, theft and fraud.
Police are now examining mobile numbers, electronic devices, financial transactions and the technical infrastructure allegedly used to operate the fake website.
Investigators are also trying to identify other possible members of the network and determine whether the same credit-limit lure was used to target additional bank customers.
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