Kolkata Police Busts Fake Call Centre, Arrests 17 for Duping Victims Through Online Dating and Matrimony Apps

Strategic Insights -

Kolkata Police's Cyber Crime Division has apprehended 17 individuals, including 16 women, accused of operating a fake call centre that duped victims across India and Bangladesh who used online dating and matrimony applications. The accused relied on forged digital evidence, including WhatsApp screenshots, fake payment receipts, and fabricated scam website pages, to trick victims into transferring large sums of money. The case has been lodged under Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act, as well as relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Key Takeaways:

  • 17 people, including 16 women, were arrested for operating a fake call centre in Kolkata.
  • The accused targeted victims using online dating and matrimony applications.
  • Forged digital evidence, including WhatsApp screenshots, fake payment receipts, and fabricated scam website pages, was used to gain trust and deceive victims.
  • The accused tricked victims into transferring large sums of money, with one investigation officer noting that a particularly disturbing tactic involved exploiting vulnerabilities by making false matrimony promises and false commitments of sexual pleasures.
  • The accused, aged between 19 and 35, hailed from different parts of Kolkata and Howrah.
  • Further investigation is underway to trace the financial trail of the call centre and identify any other accomplices.

Statistics:

  • 17 people were arrested by the Kolkata Police's Cyber Crime Division.
  • The accused targeted victims across India and Bangladesh.
  • The accused used forged WhatsApp screenshots, fake payment receipts, and fabricated scam website pages to deceive victims.
  • The investigation is ongoing to trace the financial trail of the call centre.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., "Kolkata Police Busts Fake Call Centre, Arrests 17 for Duping Victims Through Online Dating and Matrimony Apps"