A fake call centre named Exito Solutions in Hyderabad was found to be running an elaborate scam targeting NRIs and US citizens.
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) today dismantled a major cyber fraud operation in Hyderabad's Hitech City.
The fraudulent call centre, operating under the name Exito Solutions in Patrika Nagar, was found to be running an elaborate scam targeting NRIs and US citizens.
During the operation, the TGSCB authorities detained 63 individuals, primarily from the north-eastern States of India, who were employed at the fake call centre. The employees were allegedly involved in deceiving victims by impersonating PayPal customer care representatives.
The fraudsters used advanced communication software, including EYEBEAM and X-LITE, to execute their scam. They sent phishing emails to PayPal customers in the US, falsely claiming that unauthorised transactions had occurred on the latters' accounts. The emails contained a fraudulent customer service number, luring victims into calling the fake helpline.
Once on the call, the customers were pressured into revealing sensitive banking details under the pretense of being given a refund or helping prevent fraudulent transactions in their accounts. In some instances, they were tricked into transferring money to so-called "safe accounts", which were controlled by the scammers.
The mastermind behind this operation has been identified as Kaivan Patel Rupesh Kumar, alias Jaddhu / Jadu Bhai, a resident of Gujarat. He reportedly ran the scam with his elder brother Vickey, based in Dubai, and another accomplice, Ajad. These individuals sourced stolen PayPal customer data and facilitated mule bank accounts in the US to receive illicit funds.
The racket was coordinated by Jadu Bhai, who managed day-to-day operations, along with a Rahul alias Pratik, under the supervision of Chanda Mansawani, the Managing Director of Exito Solutions who is based in Hyderabad. Key team leaders named Sanju, James and Praveen were responsible for training and directing the call centre employees in fraudulent tactics.
The recruitment process for the call centre was conducted through social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, with job offers promising a monthly salary of Rs 30,000. Once hired, employees were trained in cyber fraud methodologies.
The investigation has also revealed that the fraudsters converted stolen funds into cryptocurrency to make tracing the money trail difficult.
During the raid, TGCSB officials recovered:
- 52 mobile phones used for fraudulent activities
- 63 laptops linked to the scam
- 27 employee ID cards from Exito Solutions
Authorities are now working to track down the key operatives including Jadu Bhai and Justin, a crucial recruiter. Investigation is also ongoing to uncover further links in this sophisticated cybercrime network.