Cyberabad's Call Center Scam Uncovered: Massive Fraud Targeting Australians

Cyberabad police have apprehended nine individuals involved in an international fake call centre scam that targeted Australians. The operation, led by two cousins from Telangana, coerced victims into transferring substantial amounts to Australian bank accounts. The funds were then illegally routed back to India through various clandestine methods.

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Cyberabad police on Saturday apprehended nine individuals allegedly running an 'international fake call centre' that specifically targeted Australian citizens. The illicit operation was masterminded by two cousins, Praveen and Prakash, from Telangana's Khammam district.

The intricate scam involved personnel from Kolkata who were employed to execute deceptive calls, convincing victims to transfer significant sums to Australian bank accounts. These accounts belonged to Indian nationals residing in Australia. The funds, amounting to approximately Rs 8-10 crore over two years, were funneled back to India using hawala networks, cryptocurrencies, and other covert channels.

The call centre used fake pop-ups and emails to alarm victims into believing their computers were compromised, offering a fake customer care number. Once unsuspecting individuals called, they were tricked into allowing remote access to their computers, leading to unauthorized transfers from their bank accounts. Despite the arrest of nine affiliates, the hunt for additional culprits continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)