Lucknow: In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, the Lucknow Police Commissionerate’s Sarojininagar Police, in collaboration with the Surveillance Cell of the Southern Zone, busted a fake call center and arrested four cyber fraudsters, including three women. The gang was running an elaborate online scam, luring people with promises of jobs in airline companies, and sending them fake appointment letters in exchange for hefty online payments.
The Tip-Off and Raid
On June 17, 2025, the police received a tip-off about a suspicious call center operating under the name “Sky Net Enterprises” near the Kanpur underpass on Outer Ring Road, Lucknow. A swift police raid was conducted on the first floor of the building. Inside, one man and three women were found working on laptops and mobile phones, engaging in fraudulent activities.
When confronted by the police, the suspects panicked. A thorough search of the premises revealed:
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Fake appointment letters and interview documents
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Complaint receipts
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A large number of mobile phones, laptops, and internet devices
How the Scam Worked
During interrogation, the accused confessed to posing as representatives of fake airline companies, reaching out to job seekers via WhatsApp, emails, and phone calls. They would convince victims to pay for fake recruitment processes and then send counterfeit offer letters. Once money was received or suspicions arose, they would block the victim’s contact.
Arrested Individuals
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Kuldeep (40) – Former driver in Delhi, resident of Parth Republic, Lucknow; originally from Lalganj, Raebareli
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Priyanka (20) – Resident of Kanchanpuri, Sarojininagar
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Shalu (21) – Resident of Chankhara, Banthra
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Aanchal Sharma (20) – Resident of Trimurti Nagar, Sarojininagar
Two other gang members, Sandeep Singh and Santosh, are currently on the run, and efforts to track them are ongoing.
Recovered Items
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4 smartphones
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4 keypad phones
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5 laptops with chargers
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4 keyboards
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2 Jio WiFi devices
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1 car (UP32JP7213) – now seized by police
Legal Action
A case has been filed at Sarojininagar Police Station under FIR no. 209/2025 with charges under sections 318(4)/338/336(3)/340(2)/61(2) of the BNS, and Section 66D of the IT Act. The DCRB has also been informed to gather the accused’s criminal backgrounds.
The Modus Operandi
This gang used a fake call center façade to commit cyber fraud, targeting job seekers through social media and calls. After receiving payments, the gang would issue fake documents and go off the radar. The scam reflects a growing menace of cybercrime exploiting youth employment desperation.
Police officials have urged citizens to verify job offers thoroughly and remain cautious against such digital traps. Investigations are underway to identify more victims and accomplices.
