Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 29: In a brazen case of cyber fraud, a 56-year-old Bengaluru businessman has been cheated of Rs 1.32 crore by conmen who impersonated law enforcement officials, police sources said.
The victim, who reportedly has been linked in allegations to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and funding extremist activities, was contacted by the fraudsters claiming to be from the Mumbai Police Enforcement Department.
“They told him that a raid at the residence of a man named Om Abdul Salam had uncovered a Canara Bank debit card in his name and warned that an investigation was ongoing against him for money laundering and sharing obscene videos,” a source said.
The callers instructed him to transfer money to a specified account, assuring that it would be returned after verification. They threatened: “This is a confidential matter. Do not share it with anyone, including your wife. If the matter leaks, you will be arrested. Your property may be seized if you do not comply.”
Frightened, the businessman did not inform anyone and transferred money through RTGS six times between October 8 and 16, totalling Rs 1.32 crore. When the fraudsters became unreachable, he approached the police.
Authorities have registered a case and are investigating the incident, warning the public to be cautious of such sophisticated scams.