by In a major crackdown against cybercrime, law enforcement authorities in Pakistan have uncovered a large-scale fraudulent call center operation that defrauded citizens of over Rs. 70 million. The operation, which targeted unsuspecting victims through fake investment schemes, government impersonation, and phishing tactics, led to the arrest of 255 foreign nationals and 195 local suspects involved in the elaborate scam.
The Bust: A Coordinated Effort
The arrests were made following a series of coordinated raids by cybercrime units, local police, and intelligence agencies across multiple cities. Acting on tip-offs and complaints from victims, the authorities traced the network of fraudulent call centers operating under the guise of legitimate customer service or technical support centers.
255 Foreigners and 195 Locals Arrested for Call Center Fraud Worth Over Rs. 70 Million.
Initial investigations revealed that the foreign nationals—most of whom were from African and Southeast Asian countries—were recruited specifically for their communication skills and tasked with convincing Pakistanis to share personal information, invest in fake schemes, or make payments to resolve fake legal issues.
Modus Operandi
The fraudulent call centers used a variety of deception tactics, including:
- Posing as government officials from institutions like NADRA, FBR, and law enforcement agencies.
- Claiming fake lottery winnings and asking victims to pay “clearance charges” or taxes.
- Selling non-existent investments such as cryptocurrency packages, forex trading, and e-commerce ventures.
- Threatening victims with legal consequences for alleged unpaid bills or criminal cases unless immediate payments were made.
These calls were often made using VoIP services, making it harder to trace their origin.
Equipment and Evidence Seized
Authorities seized hundreds of mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, and forged documents during the raids. Several bank accounts have also been frozen, and digital evidence is being analyzed to trace the full extent of the fraud and identify additional victims.
Victim Count May Be Higher
Officials believe that the actual number of victims and total financial losses may be significantly higher than the currently estimated Rs. 70 million. Many victims, due to fear or embarrassment, may not have reported the fraud. Cybercrime units have urged the public to come forward and report any suspicious calls or financial scams.
Government’s Response
The Interior Ministry has vowed to take strict action against those involved in cyber fraud and illegal call center operations. An inter-agency task force has been formed to identify and dismantle such fraudulent setups in the future.
Public Advisory
Authorities have issued the following safety tips for the public:
- Never share your CNIC, bank account details, or OTPs with unknown callers.
- Government institutions never ask for payments or sensitive data over the phone.
- Verify investment schemes through SECP and relevant financial authorities.
- Report suspected fraud immediately to FIA’s Cybercrime Wing via or helpline.
