A scammer contacted the narrator via phone, claiming to be from "Paper Customer Support" and trying to get the narrator to download remote access software to their computer. The narrator, aware that this was a scam, played along to gather more information. The scammer, whose real name is Amandeep, used various tactics to try to gain access to the narrator's computer and personal information, including using Zoho Assist software to blacken out the screen and freeze the mouse and keyboard. The narrator was able to reverse the connection and gather information about the scammer's operation, including their use of WhatsApp groups to launder money and their IP address, which was linked to an internet service provider in India. The narrator contacted the ISP and reported the scammer's activity, and also contacted a form builder company to report a phishing form used by the scammer. The narrator was able to disrupt the scammer's operation and warn one of the scammer's victims, a 75-year-old woman, that she was being scammed. The narrator also passed on the details of over 50 other potential victims to the local police and attempted to contact the police in Kolkata to report the scammer's activity.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The scammer's name is Amandeep, and he is working from home in Kolkata, India.
2. The scammer is using X-Lite to receive calls, and he has a pirated version of the software.
3. The scammer is using a service in Germany to register phone numbers and divert calls to his scam call center in India.
4. The scammer is using Zoho One remote access software to control victim's computers.
5. The scammer is using WhatsApp to communicate with other scammers and potential victims.
6. The scammer has a document on his computer with the URL of a phishing form used to capture personal and credit card details.
7. The scammer has been using the same phishing form since April and has had at least 30 people fill it out.
8. The scammer's internet service provider is Hathway.com, an Indian cable and broadband provider.
9. The scammer has a receipt for $2,000 worth of Apple Store gift cards purchased by someone in Virginia.
10. The scammer is trying to transfer money from victims' bank accounts to an accomplice's Bank of America account.
11. The scammer is using a fake identity and fake phone number to contact victims.
12. The scammer is trying to get victims to download remote access software and give him access to their computers.
13. The scammer is using a phishing form to capture victims' personal and credit card details.
14. The scammer has been reported to the FBI and local police.
15. The scammer's average victim is 78 years old.
16. The scammer has been using Google Docs to store important documents.
17. The scammer has been using a fake email address and fake phone number to contact victims.
18. The scammer's IP address has been identified, and it is located in Kolkata, India.
19. The scammer's computer has been accessed remotely, and files have been found containing information about his scams.
20. The scammer has been using a fake identity and fake phone number to contact victims and has been trying to transfer money from victims' bank accounts to an accomplice's Bank of America account.