Surat Cybercrime Police Uncover Fake Loan Call Centre Operation
The Cybercrime police in Surat conducted a successful raid on Thursday, dismantling a fraudulent call centre located in the Parvat Patiya area. This operation led to the arrest of the centre's operator, a 19-year-old individual who had recently completed Class 12. Authorities suspect that this elaborate scam has defrauded approximately 3,000 victims, resulting in financial losses totalling around Rs 25 lakh through deceptive quick loan offers.
Tip-Off Leads to Raid and Arrest
Acting on specific intelligence received by the police, a targeted raid was executed at an office situated within the La Citadel Complex. During this operation, law enforcement officials apprehended the owner, identified as Pravin Chauhan, aged 19. It is alleged that Chauhan employed female callers as part of his scheme to attract and deceive potential victims. The fraudulent operation was conducted under the guise of Epic Financial Service, which served as a front for the illicit activities.
Modus Operandi of the Loan Scam
According to detailed police statements, the accused utilized a systematic approach to carry out the fraud. The scam began with the posting of enticing loan advertisements on various social media platforms, particularly through Meta advertisements. These ads promised quick loan approvals within 24 to 48 hours, explicitly stating that no income proof was required, which made them highly appealing to individuals in urgent need of funds.
Step-by-Step Process of the Fraud:- Potential customers would fill out their personal details in response to the online advertisements.
- Female callers, employed by the centre, would then contact these individuals, offering loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
- Victims were charged processing fees: Rs 799 for general processing or Rs 999 for express processing within 24 hours.
- Payment was collected via QR codes sent through WhatsApp messages.
After receiving the fees, the callers would inform customers that their loan applications could not be processed due to poor CIBIL scores. Since the amounts involved were relatively small, many victims chose not to pursue the matter, allowing the scam to continue unchecked. Police estimates indicate that the accused earned between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 daily, accumulating approximately Rs 4 lakh per month from these fraudulent activities.
Background of the Accused and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators revealed that Pravin Chauhan, having completed his education up to Class 12, initiated this scam in collaboration with his cousin, Naman Chauhan, aged 22, who is currently absconding. The duo also operated another entity named Chauhan Brothers Financial Service, suggesting a broader network of fraudulent operations. During the raid, police confiscated several pieces of evidence, including mobile phones, a laptop, notebooks, and SIM cards, which are crucial for the ongoing investigation.
A formal case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, highlighting the serious legal implications of such cybercrimes. This incident underscores the growing threat of online financial fraud and the importance of public vigilance when engaging with unsolicited loan offers, especially those advertised on social media platforms.
