Lucknow. Police and the cybercrime cell have busted an alleged fake international call centre in Lucknow that was reportedly targeting US citizens in a multi-stage cyber fraud operation. Sixteen people, including four women, were arrested during an early-morning raid at Ridhya Palace near the Kapurthala police outpost in the Aliganj area. According to police, the accused allegedly frightened victims by claiming that their computers had been infected with viruses or hacked, gained remote access to their devices and then posed as officials of US security agencies or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to demand money.
The operation came to light after the alertness of a police constable. At around 4:30 am on Friday, the constable was patrolling the area when he noticed the shutter of Ridhya Palace being opened at an unusual hour. Suspecting something was wrong, he reached the premises and stopped a man for questioning. When the activity appeared suspicious, he immediately informed senior officers. A police team subsequently reached the location and conducted a raid, uncovering the alleged call centre operation.
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Police arrested 16 people from the premises, including four women. According to investigators, two of the alleged key operators were from Gujarat, while the other accused were linked to West Bengal, Gujarat and Lucknow. Several laptops, computers, mobile phones, electronic devices, documents, Aadhaar cards and other material were recovered during the raid. Investigators are examining the seized equipment and documents to identify other members of the alleged network and determine the extent of the operation.
During preliminary questioning, police found that the call centre allegedly operated according to US working hours. The centre functioned from around 8:30 pm until 4 am, allowing its operators to contact potential victims during daytime business hours in the United States. Investigators said the employees allegedly attempted to trap around 25 to 30 US citizens every day. Workers were reportedly paid between ₹30,000 and ₹70,000 per month. Police said the salaries were allegedly paid entirely in cash instead of through bank accounts.
The alleged fraud operation began with pop-up messages appearing on computers used by people in the United States. These messages reportedly warned users that their systems had been infected with a virus or compromised by hackers and provided a toll-free number for assistance. When victims called the number, their calls were allegedly routed to the Lucknow centre.
The operators then allegedly used remote-access applications to gain control of the victims’ computers or mobile phones. This allowed them to access private information and other data. After gaining the victim’s confidence, the accused allegedly posed as officials of US security agencies or the FTC. Victims were reportedly told that their identification documents had been used for illegal activities and that their US citizenship could be cancelled.
To make the threats appear genuine, the accused allegedly sent fake arrest warrants purportedly issued by US courts and forged identification documents of FTC officials through WhatsApp. Victims were then allegedly told that they could avoid arrest or settle the matter by making payments. The money was reportedly collected through gift cards, digital vouchers and cryptocurrency.
Investigators also found that usernames and passwords of gift cards and digital vouchers obtained from victims were allegedly posted in an internal group. The vouchers and cryptocurrency were then reportedly transferred to network members operating from Gujarat, where the proceeds could be converted into cash. Police suspect that the alleged network was controlled from Gujarat and that some of its members may be operating from the United States.
Investigators have also received information about another call centre allegedly linked to the same network operating in another state. Data about potential victims was reportedly collected and shared between different centres. Police are now examining electronic devices, documents and communication records to establish the wider network and identify additional suspects.
Lucknow has witnessed several previous crackdowns on alleged international cyber fraud call centres this year. On July 1, 119 people were detained during action at a call centre operating from Summit Building. On July 17, seven people were arrested in an alleged international fraud case at Omaxe Residency-2. On July 23, police raided the fourth floor of Cyber Heights, arresting four people and detaining 35 others. Investigators are now examining whether the latest accused have any connection with those earlier cases.
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.
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