New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- Financial trouble, family, personal costs, and the need to be financially independent have resulted in several educated youths including MBBS and CA aspirants being allegedly forced into illegal call centres in Delhi, later facing legal repercussions after police raids.

Looking at 5 illegal call centres busted in Dwarka and South Delhi areas between January 1 and October 5 of this year, it can be seen that several workers were arrested along with the alleged owners and managers.

Many of the individuals working in the call centres were young people studying to further their education or holding professional skills. They revealed that due to their financial issues, they were forced into this role. A female of 23 years, who was earning between 70,000 and 75,000 rupees per month at an illegal call centre while trying to gain her MBBS, said that she was forced into the role due to having to manage her expenses and supporting her family. "I'm the only child of my parents. They're investing in me to study but I needed to get a job to help with my expenses. I had to get a job to give some money back to my family," she said.

A graphic designer of 22 years old said that she was forced into the call centre due to family commitments. "I have a younger brother to provide for and my mother works in a restaurant so I helped her out by working in the call centre."

A CA aspirant of 25 years old said that he was constantly failing in exams and wasn't able to provide any money at home.

"As I got older I became quite depressed as I couldn't provide anything at home and was constantly failing my CA exams. Due to feeling guilty I had to take the call centre job." Some however did admit to joining the illegal call centre due to their own financial issues. A male of 22 years old admitted to taking the job to help with his personal costs and indulgences while a call centre manager of 36 years old said he was working to help his fiancee and family.

According to police reports there were 3 cases reported in Dwarka and 2 in South Delhi. The call centre operations uncovered allegations of cyber fraud with digital arrest scams, false seller/buyer scenarios, impersonating technical support executives and scamming foreign nationals. This highlights that individuals working in these centres along with the alleged ringleaders are becoming entangled in criminal activity, risking their education, career and future.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.