The Noida Police have uncovered a significant scam involving a fake call centre. This operation promised attractive holiday packages but instead defrauded numerous victims out of their savings. Hundreds of people lost money to this fraudulent scheme.
The Operation
On Saturday, police arrested a total of 32 individuals linked to the scam. Among those arrested were 17 women. The group posed as representatives of a company named ‘Country Holiday Travel India Limited.’ They ran a call centre located in Sector 63 of Noida. The operation had been in place for two years. During this time, they targeted unsuspecting customers with enticing vacation offers.
Modus Operandi
The gang had a clear modus operandi. They advertised lavish holiday packages, boasting nine-day luxury trips costing over ₹2.5 lakh. These trips were marketed at discounted rates, making them irresistible to potential customers. Once victims made payments, the gang either delayed the promised services or failed to deliver them entirely. Many victims were left frustrated, with no vacation and no refund. In some cases, the fraudsters disappeared without a trace, leaving customers bewildered and financially drained.
Police Raid and Evidence
The police raid was extensive. During the operation, a variety of equipment was seized from the call centre. Authorities confiscated four laptops, three monitors, several CPUs, routers, and iPads. In addition, multiple mobile phones and documents were found. These items confirmed the scale of the operation and the gang’s deceitful practices.
The Case Breakthrough
The breakthrough in the case came when Anita, a resident of Amrapali Eden Park in Noida, filed a formal complaint. Anita had paid ₹84,000 for a nine-day holiday package. This package was supposed to include luxurious stays at an ITC hotel. However, when her booking failed to materialize, she sought a refund but received none. Frustrated and seeking justice, Anita approached the police.
Her complaint triggered further investigations. Authorities discovered that there were other victims in both Noida and Pune. These individuals had experienced similar issues with the fraudulent company. The investigation unveiled five online grievances and one written complaint. These documents detailed how victims were scammed for holiday packages priced between ₹2.5 and ₹2.8 lakh.
Impact on Victims
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Noida, Shakti Mohan Awasthi, stated that the gang’s operation had a vast impact. Many individuals across several regions fell prey to their tactics. The fraudsters targeted people looking for both affordable and luxurious vacation options. Unfortunately, these victims ended up losing their hard-earned money to deceitful practices.
Continued Investigation
The police are continuing their investigation. They are working to identify and arrest additional members of the gang. The authorities are dedicated to bringing all perpetrators to justice. The uncovering of this scam highlights the growing trend of digital fraud, particularly targeting consumers in the travel sector.
Public Awareness and Precautions
In light of this incident, authorities are urging the public to be cautious. When booking travel packages, individuals should be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. It is essential to conduct thorough research before making any financial commitments.
The need for heightened awareness regarding such scams is crucial. With more individuals using online platforms to make travel arrangements, the potential for fraud increases. Educating consumers about these risks can help prevent similar scams in the future.
