A fraudulent group of call centers, which targeted U.S. citizens, has been shut down by Indian authorities. The entity was extorting American citizens by demanding Bitcoin (BTC) and other forms of online payment under threats of releasing private information.

The Indore unit of Madya Pradesh police’s Cyber Cell has discovered a network of call centers responsible for scamming U.S. citizens. The callers posed with American accents and demanded ransom in BTC, pre-paid cards, and other means of online payment.

The callers claimed they were representatives of the U..S Social Security Administration. They would tell victims that victim’s social security credentials were discovered and have been used for money laundering and drug smuggling. The perpetrators then demanded that they pay or else the victim’s social security number would be “blocked” and subject to legal action.

3 Call Centers Shut Down

Victims were requested to provide payments of between $50 to $5000.

Altogether, the operation included three call centers, but authorities believe it has networks in other countries.

Among those arrested, the majority were callers themselves. Indian police also seized 60 computers, 70 cell phones, and other servers and gadgets from the centers.

Altogether, the operation had obtained security number information on 10 U.S. citizens, along with an undisclosed amount of money.

Bitcoin Phone Scams: Same Old Story

The story is, sadly, nothing new.

Recently, the New York Police Department alerted the public that phone scammers posing as government authorities were on the rise. Oftentimes, these scammers follow the same strategy: they ask for payment via ‘anonymous’ means like through pre-paid cards and usually Bitcoin. The NYPD claims that millions have been stolen as a result of these crimes.

It’s unclear if this particular call center operation has been completely put down and the Indian police said it is possible that more branches are in operation.

Protect Yourself

The single best defense against such scams is a vigilant public.

Government agencies never ask for personal details online, nor do they ask for funds. Almost always, confidential information is transmitted by post.

If someone claiming to be a government official calls you for money or personal information, it is most definitely a scam.

Have you personally noticed an uptick in scam phone calls? Let us know your thoughts below.