Surat - On Wednesday, Surat police raided an illegal call center operating out of Rajhans Complex on Ring Road, busting a gang accused of duping individuals with a work-from-home data entry scam. The call center lured victims through Quikr Marketplace and Google searches, promising lucrative earnings under the guise of "Aero Tech Solutions."
The modus operandi involved offering online data entry contracts with a seemingly achievable target. However, the work was rigged to ensure less than 85% accuracy, intentionally breaching the contract's 90% completion clause. This triggered a penalty of Rs. 5,460, which the scammers then extorted using scare tactics. The gang would threaten victims with legal action, posing as lawyers and fabricating police and court involvement.
The raid led to the arrest of seven individuals:
- Aman Akbar Ghori (22)
- Salman Firoz Pathan (26)
- Vinod Nanabhai Chauhan (30)
- Tahir Moinuddin Ghori (22)
- Aamir Haroon Hunani (27)
- Junaid Hussain Pathan (20)
- Zebunisha Azhar Shaikh (23)
Police also seized seven computer desktops, 15 mobile phones, and electronic equipment worth Rs. 3.39 lakh as evidence. This operation serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking work-from-home opportunities, highlighting the importance of thorough verification before entering any contractual agreements.
Acting Superintendent of Police, Surat: "We urge caution against online job offers that seem too good to be true. Always verify company details and avoid contracts with exorbitant penalties. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities."
The investigation into the scam is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
