Tech support scam crackdown launched by India

Numerous alleged call centers facilitating tech support scams across India have been raided by law enforcement officials following information from Microsoft and Amazon as part of the country's crackdown on cyber-related financial crime, according to The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Microsoft and Amazon technical support representatives have been impersonated by the fraudsters behind the campaign, which has mostly impacted individuals in the U.S., UK, and Germany, said India's Central Bureau of Investigation, which has collaborated with international agencies as part of the operation. "In the wake of Operation Chakra-II, 32 mobile phones, 48 laptops/hard disks, images of two servers, 33 SIM cards, and pen drives were confiscated, and numerous bank accounts were freezed. CBI also seized a dump of 15 email accounts, illuminating the intricate web of deceit spun by the accused," said CBI. Moreover, Microsoft touted that the operation has been supported by its joint referral with Amazon. "Joining forces helps us more effectively protect individuals globally and prevent criminals from impersonating the Microsoft and Amazon brands to target innocent and unsuspecting victims," Microsoft added.