ED uncovers international tech support scam, raids call centres in Chandigarh tricity region
These call centres were using shell companies based overseas to collect fraudulent payments
PTC Web Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has exposed a major international tech support scam after conducting overnight raids on several illegal call centres across Chandigarh tricity region. The raids uncovered a network of fraudulent tech support companies deceiving foreign customers by falsely claiming to offer software services on behalf of well-known tech brands like Microsoft, HP, and Arlo.
These call centres were using shell companies based overseas to collect fraudulent payments. The payments were routed back to India through official banking channels and hawala networks, evading scrutiny.
One of the companies under investigation is FSAL Technologies Pvt Ltd, allegedly operated by Faisal Rashid Peerzada. ED officials discovered that FSAL was running a fake tech company called Bios Tech, registered in the United States. Despite claiming to offer support services for Microsoft and HP printers, Peerzada could not provide any valid license or agreement from these companies. Further analysis revealed that FSAL had full control over the Bios Tech website and was actively directing payment flows.
In a significant finding, digital forensics revealed that FSAL’s website shared an IP address with another fraudulent site, geeksworldwidesolutions.com, which was a fake version of Geek Squad, a legitimate American tech support brand. This site was being hosted without authorisation from the original brand owners.
In addition to FSAL Technologies, two other companies, Terrasparq and Visionaire, are under investigation. Both companies, allegedly run by Sahu Jain, have been linked to similar scams since 2016. ED officials found that Terrasparq falsely claimed to provide tech support services for CTS Mobility, a US-based company owned by Jain's sister. Investigators found no legitimate agreements in place, and Jain’s emails and WhatsApp chats revealed how fake Microsoft pop-ups were generated to charge unsuspecting customers for non-existent services.
The websites of these companies were designed to appear legitimate, offering high-end services like device management, Device as a Service (DaaS), and network support. However, they lacked essential details like company registration information and names of promoters. Investigators also flagged manipulated images of upscale IT offices displayed on the websites, which bore no resemblance to the actual call centre locations.
ED officials are currently analysing multiple call recordings and technical data to confirm the fraudulent activities. The investigation is ongoing.