B’luru Police bust fake Microsoft tech support racket targeting US citizens, arrest 21
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Bengaluru Police have arrested 21 individuals for running a fake Microsoft technical support racket that targeted US citizens. The accused had set up a sophisticated scam centre on a 4,500 sqft plot in the city, where they used various tactics to deceive their victims into paying large sums of money in cryptocurrency.
According to the police, the scam centre was equipped with state-of-the-art digital equipment, including laptops, hard drives, and mobile phones. The accused used these devices to contact their victims, posing as Microsoft technical support representatives. They would then use phoney security alerts and fabricated Federal Trade Commission warnings to pressure the victims into paying for fake technical support services.
The modus operandi of the scam was quite sophisticated. The accused would first contact the victims through phone or email, claiming that their computers were infected with malware or viruses. They would then offer to provide technical support to remove the malware, but would demand payment in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, in exchange for their services.
The victims, who were mostly US citizens, were unaware that they were being scammed. They would pay the demanded amount, hoping to get their computers fixed, but would eventually realize that they had been duped. The accused would then use the money to fund their lavish lifestyle, buying luxury cars and properties.
The police were able to crack the scam after receiving several complaints from US citizens who had fallen victim to the racket. A team of detectives was formed to investigate the case, and they were able to track down the scam centre to a location in Bengaluru.
During the raid, the police seized several laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and other digital equipment. They also found documents and records of the scam, including lists of victims and payment receipts. The accused were arrested and charged with various crimes, including cheating, forgery, and money laundering.
The busting of the fake Microsoft tech support racket is a significant achievement for the Bengaluru Police, who have been cracking down on cybercrime in recent months. The police have been working closely with international law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute cybercriminals who target citizens of other countries.
The case highlights the need for citizens to be aware of such scams and to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from technical support companies. Microsoft has also warned its customers to be wary of such scams, and has advised them to never pay for technical support services without verifying the authenticity of the caller.
The Bengaluru Police have advised citizens to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. They have also set up a dedicated helpline for citizens to report cybercrime, and have promised to take swift action against those who engage in such activities.
In conclusion, the busting of the fake Microsoft tech support racket is a significant achievement for the Bengaluru Police, and a warning to cybercriminals who target citizens of other countries. The case highlights the need for citizens to be aware of such scams and to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or emails. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together to track down and prosecute cybercriminals.
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