Lucknow Police Raids Fake Apple Support Call Centre Targeting US Citizens

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Law enforcement officials in Lucknow have detained four individuals suspected of operating a fraudulent Apple customer support center.

Operation CY-VAJRA

The operation, conducted under Operation CY-VAJRA by Vibhuti Khand Police with support from the East Zone Surveillance and Crime Team, uncovered a sophisticated scheme targeting U.S. citizens through deceptive digital methods.

Call Center Setup

Investigators identified a fully functional international call center located in a luxury apartment within the Cyber Heights complex. The facility reportedly housed 35 agents working from 35 separate workstations.

Suspects and Recruitment

The suspects allegedly recruited personnel from multiple Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Nagaland, as well as one individual from Nepal.

Raid and Seizures

During a raid on the premises between July 22 and 23, authorities seized 31 laptops, 14 mobile phones, two routers, and 18.5 lakh rupees in cash, reportedly found in the vehicle of one suspect.

Fraudulent Methods

The group is accused of targeting U.S. residents via Google advertisements, counterfeit websites, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. A fraudulent Apple Customer Support website was used to promote a fake helpline number, 000 800 100 9009, which appeared in search results. Calls to this number were routed through VoIP systems to the Lucknow-based center, where operatives impersonated customer support representatives to extract financial information from victims.

Mastermind and Team

The mastermind of the operation, Suraj Tripathi, is alleged to have gained expertise in international call center operations during his tenure as a dialer in Ahmedabad between 2012 and 2013. He later connected with overseas operators through Telegram groups to establish his network. Tripathi reportedly enlisted family members, including Vivek Pandey and Rahul Tripathi, to manage logistics, recruitment, and daily operations. Akash Arun Dutta, known as Ricky, oversaw technical aspects, including the maintenance of fake websites and internet-based calling systems.

Operational Strategies

Investigators noted that the group frequently altered its scripts and operational strategies to avoid detection. Employees were reportedly misled into believing they were working for a legitimate U.S.-based customer support firm.

Device Analysis

The seized electronic devices are being analyzed to trace the network’s communications, international connections, and activities directed at U.S. citizens.

Context of Cybercrime

This marks the third cyber fraud crackdown in Lucknow within 23 days, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime. The case underscores the growing use of VoIP and digital deception in phishing schemes targeting international populations.