Nashik: Fake Call Center Scam Targeting US Citizens Busted, 7 Arrested

Nashik police have uncovered a fraudulent call center operating in Ashwin Nagar that scammed US citizens by pretending to represent tech giants like Microsoft and Apple. In a late-night raid, the police arrested seven individuals involved in the operation.

The Cyber Police Station received a confidential tip-off on January 28, 2025, about a call center that was extorting American citizens by sending fake messages about computer malfunctions. Victims were tricked into believing their computers had serious viruses, and they were asked to pay $200 to $2000 for repairs.

Following an investigation, police identified the location of the call center at Plot No. 66, Janki Bungalow, Opposite Bhumi Apartment, Ashwin Nagar. On February 13, 2025, at around 10:30 PM, officers raided the premises. Inside, they discovered a hidden room behind a disguised bookshelf, where five men and one woman were operating the scam using 12 laptops, multiple servers, and 13 mobile phones.

The fraudsters sent fake pop-up messages to American citizens, instructing them to call a specific number and purchase gift vouchers worth hundreds or thousands of dollars to resolve their supposed computer issues. They then collected the voucher codes, stealing the money from victims.

Between December 2023 and February 2025, the group defrauded around 100-150 US citizens, amassing nearly $240,000 (approximately ₹2 crore). Police seized laptops, mobile phones, servers, and ₹47,600 in cash from the scene.

The arrested suspects are:

1. Pranay Anirudh Jaiswal (30, Nalasopara East, Palghar)
2. Sahil Khokon Shaikh (24, Malad West, Mumbai)
3. Mukesh Gajanan Palande (40, Nalasopara East, Palghar)
4. Ashish Prabhakar Sasane (28, Santacruz East, Mumbai)
5. Chand Shivdayal Barnwal (27, Mira Road East, Thane)
6. Sadiq Ahmed Khan (24, Malvani, Malad West, Mumbai)
7. Samiksha Shankar Sonawale (24, Khardipada, Thane)

The court has granted police custody of the accused until February 18, 2025. Meanwhile, two key suspects, Bipin Sahu and Ron alias Shadab, are still at large. They are believed to have managed the stolen funds and provided technical support for the scam. The police are continuing their investigation to track them down.