Chandigarh Cyber Police Arrest Three in Major Credit Card Phishing Scandal
Chandigarh Cyber Crime Police dismantled an interstate fraud network after detaining three individuals, including a call center operator, for orchestrating credit card phishing schemes that resulted in financial losses exceeding ₹3.65 lakh.
Investigation Begins with a Complaint
The investigation began with a complaint filed on December 26, 2025, by a Chandigarh resident who reported an unauthorized withdrawal of ₹1.73 lakh from their State Bank of India (SBI) credit card. The victim received a call from an individual claiming to represent American Express, asserting that their SBI credit card was eligible for an immediate limit increase and premium tier conversion.
Deceptive Tactics Used
The fraudster transmitted a malicious online form link to the victim, which prompted the disclosure of confidential banking details. Once submitted, the stolen credentials enabled unauthorized digital transactions, draining the account. Forensic analysis traced the call origin to an illegal call center located in a Delhi residential area.
Raids and Arrests
Initial raids in January led to the arrest of three women involved in telemarketing activities using fabricated identities. Subsequent operations on January 22 resulted in the detention of 40-year-old Sushil Kaushik in Haridwar, who was accused of supplying forged bank accounts, arranging mule accounts, and facilitating fund laundering.
Call Center Operator Apprehended
A 43-year-old Delhi resident, Ajay Singh Maan, was also apprehended as the primary operator of the illicit call center. During interrogation, Singh admitted to acquiring unauthorized customer databases, procuring fake SIM cards, and managing mule accounts to obscure financial trails. A court ordered his detention for two days to assist investigators in tracing additional suspects.
Coordinated Raids and Evidence Seizure
A separate case emerged from a coordinated raid on a rented facility in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, where law enforcement intercepted two women conducting fraudulent calls while posing as bank officials. The operation recovered 10 mobile devices, multiple active SIM cards, and digital storage units linked to the scheme.
Exploitation of Leaked Databases
Investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited leaked financial databases containing contact details of active cardholders. Trained operatives used scripted psychological tactics to manipulate victims into divulging credentials or clicking phishing links.
Ongoing Investigations and Collaborations
Chandigarh Cyber Crime Police are currently analyzing seized electronic devices, SIM cards, and bank accounts to reconstruct the financial network. Authorities are collaborating with regional law enforcement agencies to determine if the arrested individuals are connected to similar cybercrime cases across North India. Ongoing technical analysis is expected to lead to further arrests as the probe progresses.
“During interrogation, Singh admitted to acquiring unauthorized customer databases, procuring fake SIM cards, and managing mule accounts to obscure financial trails.”
