Fake call centres: Why is Lucknow emerging as cyber crooks’ new address?

The addresses were different—a commercial office in Summit Building, luxury apartments in Omaxe R-02, and a WhatsApp-based investment network operating under the name “BG Wealth.” The victims ranged from American citizens to local investors. But investigators say the blueprint was remarkably similar: organised cyber syndicates quietly operating from Lucknow while exploiting the city’s growing infrastructure, skilled workforce and relative anonymity.

Within less than three weeks, Lucknow Police busted two alleged international cyber fraud call centres targeting US citizens and unearthed an investment fraud that promised to double money in 55 days.