In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Bengaluru police have busted a fake call centre operating under the guise of Cybits Solutions Pvt Ltd, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals involved in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam targeting unsuspecting US citizens. The operation preyed on vulnerable young job seekers from across India, training them to impersonate American law enforcement officials and extort money by fabricating serious charges like drug offenses and money laundering. The scam, which coerced victims into believing they were under virtual arrest, highlights the growing menace of transnational cyber frauds exploiting both perpetrators and targets.

The fraudulent scheme began with deceptive job postings on platforms like Work India and LinkedIn, promising lucrative employment in call centres providing "online information services" to the US, Canada, and other countries. Recruits, primarily young men and women from states including Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat, were enticed with offers of accommodation, transport, and meals in Bengaluru's HSR Layout and BTM Layout areas. Once in place, they underwent three weeks of intensive training as telecallers before being deployed to execute the scams using live servers and scripted dialogues.

Posing as officials from the US Border Security Force, US Postal Services, and US Customs and Border Protection, the scammers contacted victims, flashing fake police IDs and arrest warrants to instill fear. They threatened immediate action unless payments were made to designated accounts, trapping victims in a web of psychological coercion known as "digital arrest." The illicit funds were funneled directly into the company's accounts, enabling the operation to thrive undetected for months.

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During the raid, police seized 41 computers, 25 mobile phones, multiple routers, switches, EPABX devices, and other electronic gadgets essential to the fraud. Investigators also uncovered online applications and pre-written scripts hosted on Justpaste.it, which guided the scammers' interactions. The bust underscores the sophisticated tactics employed by such syndicates and the role of social media in recruitment.

Authorities have stated that the probe is ongoing, with potential for additional arrests as they trace the network's financial trails and international connections. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against job scams and cyber threats, urging the public to verify opportunities through official channels and report suspicious activities promptly.

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