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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFeds Arrest 61 For Alleged Indian Call Center Scam That Bilked Millions From Consumers
The Department of Justice, along with several other state and federal agencies, announced the joint enforcement effort Thursday, unsealing an indictment that charged a total of 61 people and entities for their alleged involvement in the transnational criminal organization.
According to the indictment [PDF] which covers 20 individuals in the U.S. and 32 people and five call centers in India since about 2012 the defendants used information obtained from data brokers and other sources to call potential victims impersonating officers from the IRS or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To give the calls an air of authenticity, the organization was able to spoof phone numbers, making the calls appear to have really come from a federal agency. The callers would then allegedly threaten potential victims with arrest, imprisonment, fines, or deportation if they did not pay supposed taxes or penalties to the government.
Avalux
(35,015 posts)The scammer called 911 and gave the victim's address, stating that there was a hostage situation. A SWAT team showed up at the victim's house. Fortunately, no one got hurt before the 'misunderstanding' was cleared up.
These people are seriously dangerous.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)It was a one question "poll", but after I answered, the guy continued talking, seeking permission to call back several times for more questions. And that is when I realized the guy I was talking to was a robot.
Sometimes you can only tell if you ask them what their middle name is, something off script.
The creepy part is how human the voices sound.
No reason on earth they can't "robot" scammer calls now.
fierywoman
(7,688 posts)dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)and the National Spy Agency ( NSA) is keeping copies of all our calls and emails
so you would think they could grab these scammers by now, wouldn't you?