by In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Pakistani authorities have arrested 149 individuals allegedly involved in operating a massive scam call centre targeting citizens both domestically and abroad. The operation, carried out by local police and supported by cybercrime units, was conducted in a coordinated raid that exposed a sophisticated fraudulent setup posing as a legitimate business.
The Raid and Discovery
The raid took place earlier this week in a commercial area where the so-called call centre was operating under the guise of a tech support or customer services firm. Authorities had been monitoring suspicious activity for weeks before executing the operation. Upon entering the premises, police found rows of computers, fake caller ID software, and scripts used to deceive victims into revealing personal information or transferring funds.
Sources confirm that the suspects were engaged in impersonating officials from reputable institutions—ranging from banks and telecom companies to government agencies—to trick unsuspecting victims into parting with sensitive data and money.
Pakistan police arrest 149 people in ‘scam call centre’ raid.
Tactics Used by Scammers
Investigators revealed that the scam involved a variety of schemes, including:
- Phishing Calls: Pretending to be bank representatives to extract PIN codes and account details.
- Loan Scams: Offering fake loan approvals with an upfront processing fee.
- Prize Fraud: Informing targets they had won a lottery or prize, requiring payment to “release” the winnings.
- Tech Support Scams: Claiming users’ devices were infected and needed remote access or payment for “repairs.”
The call centre reportedly made thousands of outbound calls daily, with a reach that extended not just across Pakistan but to multiple countries including the United States, the UK, and Gulf states.
Official Response and Investigation
A senior police official stated, “This was one of the largest coordinated scams we’ve uncovered this year. The suspects operated with a high level of planning, targeting vulnerable people with well-rehearsed scripts.” Authorities are now investigating links to larger criminal networks, and digital evidence is being analyzed to identify international collaborators.
The raid is part of a broader effort by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to clamp down on cyber fraud, a growing concern as internet usage increases and more citizens fall prey to scams.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged the public to:
- Avoid sharing personal or banking details over the phone.
- Verify the legitimacy of calls claiming to be from banks or government departments.
- Report suspicious activity to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing.
Final Thoughts
The bust of this fraudulent call centre is a strong message that cybercrime is being taken seriously in Pakistan. However, with scammers becoming more tech-savvy, public awareness remains the first line of defense. Regular education, digital literacy, and vigilance are crucial to safeguarding personal information in the digital age.
