Residents and business owners in Bangalore, particularly those running shops, bakeries, and hotels, are being warned about a new scam involving individuals posing as journalists. These imposters are reportedly entering establishments, claiming to be reporters for a prominent TV channel, and using intimidation tactics to extort money.
Operating with mobile phones adorned with fake TV channel logos, these scammers target businesses without prior permission. They often enter bakeries, hotels, and pet shops, filming videos of areas that are typically off-limits, such as kitchens. After recording, they confront owners with allegations of running unhygienic establishments, threatening to report them to authorities like the BBMP Health Department and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Such reports could result in license cancellations or even jail time, prompting owners to pay hefty “settlement” fees ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh, depending on the business size.
Bangalore’s growing population of over 1.4 crore has led to a rise in blackmail cases, with these fake journalists becoming a notable nuisance. In a recent incident, a couple successfully extorted over 50 bakery owners, using threats and coercion to extract large sums of money.
One victim, the owner of SLV Bakery Sweets near DLF Hulimavu, was targeted by the scammers, who filmed the premises and then accused the bakery of unsanitary conditions. Fearing repercussions, the owner paid a sum via UPI to the fraudsters. After realizing he had been scammed, he sought help from friends who advised him to report the incident to the Hulimavu Police Station.
Following the complaint, police reviewed CCTV footage and arrested two individuals connected to the scam. These culprits were linked to a YouTube channel and an organization called Prajapara, with one of the key fraudsters identified as Shafi. Investigations revealed that Shafi had previously committed similar fraud in multiple areas, including Bandepalaya. Although they attempted to intimidate authorities by claiming connections to local MLAs, further inquiries unveiled their deceitful practices, leading to their detention.
Local authorities are urging business owners to remain vigilant, verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be journalists, and avoid making payments without legal consultation. Installing CCTV cameras and monitoring staff in sensitive areas, particularly kitchens and storage facilities, is also recommended to prevent such incidents.
The BBMP and FSSAI have been notified of this rising issue, and the Hulimavu police continue to investigate the case, with the accused facing charges of fraud and extortion. As more than 50 bakery owners have fallen victim to this scheme, it underscores the need for caution among local businesses. Residents are advised to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately and work with law enforcement to ensure they are not targeted by these unscrupulous fraudsters.
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