Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a fraudulent call centre operation in the Dwarka area, leading to the arrest of ten individuals involved in a sophisticated scam that cheated victims of approximately Rs 1 crore. The accused targeted holders of lapsed insurance policies with deceptive promises.
How the Elaborate Scam Operated
The racket was uncovered after authorities meticulously analysed complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). A specific complaint drew their attention to a bank account in Dwarka's Sector-6, which exhibited a suspicious pattern of transactions involving cheque-based cash withdrawals.
Investigations revealed that the fraudsters specifically hunted for individuals whose insurance policies had lapsed. Posing as authoritative officials from financial regulators and banks, they contacted the victims. Using fake logos and forged official notices, they convinced policyholders that they could help release maturity amounts or settle their policies.
The callers then demanded money under various false pretexts, such as "processing fees," "No Objection Certificates (NOCs)," or "premature settlement charges." Unsuspecting victims were tricked into transferring funds to accounts provided by the accused.
The Police Crackdown and Arrests
Following the digital trail, a police team zeroed in on one key operative, Nishant Chauhan, a resident of Palam Village. Chauhan was apprehended red-handed when he arrived at a bank branch to withdraw a sum of Rs 2 lakh. "The team tracked one Nishant Chauhan... He was nabbed when he arrived at the bank to withdraw Rs 2 lakh," confirmed DCP (Dwarka) Ankit Singh.
During interrogation, Chauhan disclosed the modus operandi. He and his associates provided their personal bank accounts to the masterminds of the scam in exchange for a commission, which ranged from 1.5% to 10% of the fraudulently obtained money. Based on his information, police conducted subsequent raids and arrested the other members of the network, including a woman, bringing the total arrests to ten.
Broader Implications and Public Advisory
This bust highlights the growing menace of impersonation and phishing scams targeting financial service customers. The use of the NCRP portal proved crucial in connecting the dots and initiating the probe. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages regarding financial settlements.
Citizens are advised to always verify the authenticity of such communications directly with their bank or insurance company through official contact channels, and never transfer money for "processing" or "clearance" fees based on a phone call alone. This case serves as a stern warning to those who lend their bank accounts for illegal activities, as they become direct accomplices in the crime.
