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Bengaluru Call Centre Busted in Investment Scam

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 23:18 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: Karnataka, INDIA

Bengaluru, India - February 25th, 2026 - Cybercrime police in Bengaluru today raided a sophisticated call centre operation, arresting two individuals on charges of cheating victims through elaborate and fraudulent investment schemes. The raid, conducted on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, marks a significant development in the ongoing battle against the escalating tide of cybercrime targeting vulnerable citizens.

The operation, triggered by a surge in complaints over the past several months, revealed a well-organized scheme designed to prey on individuals with promises of unrealistic returns and enticing incentives. While the identities of the arrested suspects are currently being withheld pending further investigation, police sources indicate they are believed to be key figures in a larger network of scammers.

"The scale of this operation is concerning," stated Inspector Divya Sharma, leading the investigation. "Victims reported being subjected to high-pressure sales tactics and manipulated into transferring substantial sums of money based on entirely fabricated investment opportunities. These weren't simply impulsive decisions; the scammers were highly skilled at building trust and exploiting financial anxieties."

The call centre, disguised as a legitimate financial services provider, utilized advanced techniques to target potential victims. Preliminary investigations suggest the scammers employed a combination of data mining, social engineering, and voice modulation technology to enhance the credibility of their fraudulent pitches. They reportedly tailored their approach based on victim profiles, gleaned from publicly available information and potentially, illegally obtained data.

During the raid, police seized a substantial amount of evidence, including dozens of computers, mobile phones, server equipment, and detailed call logs. Forensic analysis of this data is currently underway to determine the full extent of the scam, identify additional suspects, and trace the flow of illicit funds. Authorities are working with financial institutions to freeze potentially compromised accounts and recover lost funds for the victims.

A Growing Trend: Cybercrime in India

This incident underscores a worrying trend of increasing cybercrime across India. According to recent reports from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, reported cases of online fraud have increased by over 65% in the past year alone, with investment scams consistently ranking among the most prevalent types of cybercrime. Experts attribute this surge to several factors, including increased internet penetration, the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, and a lack of public awareness regarding online security threats.

"The sophistication of these scams is constantly evolving," explains Dr. Arun Patel, a cybersecurity analyst at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. "Scammers are leveraging new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes, to create increasingly convincing and deceptive schemes. Traditional methods of fraud prevention are no longer sufficient."

The Bengaluru police are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when responding to unsolicited investment offers, particularly those promising high returns with minimal risk. They advise individuals to verify the legitimacy of any financial institution or investment opportunity before making any financial commitments.

Key Safety Recommendations:

• Verify, Verify, Verify: Always independently verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity or financial institution. Check with regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers received via phone, email, or social media.
• Don't Share Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal or financial information with unknown individuals or entities.
• Beware of High-Pressure Tactics: Be wary of anyone who tries to pressure you into making an immediate investment decision.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected fraud or cybercrime to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or your local police station.

The investigation into the Bengaluru call centre scam is ongoing, and police anticipate making further arrests in the coming weeks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance in protecting oneself from online fraud.