Scam alert: Punjagutta police nab trio behind fake call centre racket
PUNJAGUTTA: Punjagutta police apprehended three individuals on Wednesday for operating a fraudulent call center under the guise of IGS Digital Centre Limited. The suspects allegedly deceived numerous individuals nationwide by promising substantial returns through a digital payment platform.
A case was filed at Panjagutta police station (Cr. No. 39/2024) under sections 417, 419, 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sections 66-C, 66-D of the Information Technology (IT) Act, based on a complaint lodged by a victim on January 10, 2024.
The complainant mentioned in his petition that after searching for digital service payment gateway services online on December 3, 2023, he received a call from a tele-caller representing IGS Digital Centre Limited. They purported to offer 300 digital services and requested Rs. 1,800 for registration and ID creation, which the victim paid via UPI. Despite creating the ID, they claimed it couldn’t be activated due to a KYC error.
They even persuaded him to opt for a Distribution ID, for which he paid an additional Rs. 4,040, only to encounter another alleged KYC error. When urged to obtain a Zonal ID with an additional payment of Rs. 30,000, the victim grew suspicious and ceased further transactions.
On January 6, 2024, the victim visited IGS Digital Centre Limited’s office in White House building, 9th Floor, Begumpet, prompted by negative reviews on social media. Upon demanding a refund, the HR department declined, stating they offered only five services and refused reimbursement. The victim alleged widespread fraud by the company and urged legal action.
During the investigation, it was revealed that ‘IGS Digital Centre Limited’ operated from Jaipur, Rajasthan, with a branch in Begumpet, Hyderabad. The company utilized deceptive advertisements and tele-calls to attract unsuspecting individuals seeking income opportunities online. Despite claiming to offer 300 services, the company allegedly provided significantly fewer services than advertised.
The company’s modus operandi involved obtaining personal details from social media advertisements, contacting individuals through tele-callers, and persuading them to invest in obtaining retailers, distributors, or zonal IDs for their digital payment platform. Despite promises of high commissions, the services provided were reportedly limited, and the company ceased communication when customers demanded refunds.
The investigation led to the seizure of computer systems, storage devices, and GSM Gateway/SIM Boxes from the company’s office. Several accused individuals, including the CEO and Director, HR Head, and a mediator, were arrested and presented before the Court of XIV Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Nampally, Hyderabad on January 25, 2024.
The investigation is ongoing, with numerous victims reporting losses and over 50 fraud complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).