Bengaluru Police Bust Fake Microsoft Support Scam

Bengaluru Police have uncovered a major cyberfraud operation impersonating Microsoft’s tech-support services, arresting 21 people involved in scamming US citizens. The crackdown follows weeks of surveillance after authorities received intelligence about a large-scale international fraud running out of the city.

According to investigators, the gang operated from multiple rented offices, posing as official Microsoft support agents. They contacted unsuspecting US residents—or lured them through pop-ups—claiming their computers were infected with malware or had security issues requiring urgent attention.

Once victims were convinced, the fraudsters instructed them to grant remote access to their devices by installing software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. They then fabricated system errors, locked screens, or triggered fake virus alerts to create panic and force compliance.

The scammers charged victims hundreds to thousands of dollars for bogus “repairs,” extended warranties, and fake security subscriptions. Police estimate that the group may have siphoned crores of rupees over the last year, with funds routed through international payment gateways to avoid detection.

During the raid, officers seized 35 computers, 45 mobile phones, VoIP calling equipment, fake scripts, and customer data logs containing details of hundreds of potential targets. Many of the arrested individuals were trained specifically to mimic an American accent to avoid suspicion from US callers.

Police say the bust highlights the growing menace of cross-border tech-support scams, which have increasingly targeted elderly and digitally vulnerable victims abroad. Investigations are ongoing to trace the masterminds, financial channels, and international collaborators behind the operation.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, emphasizing that genuine companies like Microsoft never initiate unsolicited tech-support calls.