Stay Alert! How Fake Call Centres Are Tricking People Across India

The spread of fake call centres across India has become a growing concern for both authorities and citizens. In the past nine months alone, police investigations have uncovered five major fake call centre rackets and arrested 31 people involved in large-scale cyber frauds. These fraudulent setups, often disguised as legitimate business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, have been duping people by posing as representatives from banks, insurance firms, or reputed brands.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Mumbai Crime Branch has been at the forefront of these operations, cracking down on multiple illegal call centres operating from residential and commercial spaces. Despite these ongoing actions, cybercriminals continue to evolve their methods, targeting unsuspecting citizens with ever more convincing scams.

How the Scam Works

Fake call centres typically operate under the guise of genuine organizations—banks, loan agencies, government offices, or multinational companies. Their staff members, often trained in professional communication and customer service etiquette, make calls to potential victims offering attractive deals, rewards, or loan approvals.

Once they gain the victim’s trust, they request sensitive personal or banking details such as OTP codes, debit/credit card numbers, or account credentials. In some cases, they send malicious links or fake websites that appear authentic. As soon as the victim clicks or shares their information, fraudsters gain instant access to their bank accounts—draining funds within minutes.

These scammers gather their target data from online directories, leaked customer databases, or social media platforms. They use sophisticated techniques and even brand logos, company names, and official-sounding scripts to appear genuine.

Why the Threat Is Growing

Experts say the rise in such scams is directly linked to the rapid expansion of digital services in India. With more people banking, shopping, and applying for loans online, cybercriminals find it easier to exploit those who are unaware of basic digital safety practices. Moreover, fake call centres are cheap to set up and can be relocated easily, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace quickly.

Even though authorities have been taking strict measures—conducting raids, freezing accounts, and arresting culprits—the problem persists because many victims fail to report fraud out of embarrassment or lack of awareness.

How to Stay Safe

Staying cautious and informed is the best defence against such scams. Here are a few essential safety tips recommended by cybersecurity experts and the police:

• Never share personal or banking details—like OTPs, passwords, or PINs—with anyone over a phone call.

• Remember: Genuine banks, insurance companies, or government agencies never ask for confidential information via call or text.

• Verify before you trust. If someone offers a loan, prize, or scheme, always confirm through the official website or customer care number of the organization.

• Report suspicious activity immediately. If you suspect a fraud attempt, contact the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

Awareness Is Your Best Shield

As technology advances, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in their approach. They use artificial intelligence tools, social media trends, and data leaks to fine-tune their scams. But while their tricks evolve, the key to staying protected remains the same—vigilance and awareness.

Being cautious about sharing personal information, recognizing red flags in unsolicited calls, and promptly reporting suspicious activities can prevent not only individual loss but also help authorities curb this growing menace.

Cyber experts stress that cyber hygiene—regularly updating passwords, avoiding unknown links, and keeping software security up to date—is just as important as locking your front door.

In today’s digital age, staying alert is not optional—it’s essential. So the next time your phone rings with an unexpected “offer” or “reward,” think twice before responding. It might just be another fake call centre trying to make you their next target.