Bengaluru police have registered the city’s first case of cybercrime this year involving criminals posing as income tax (I-T) officials. The victim, S. Prasad (name changed), a 67-year-old retiree, was tricked into transferring ₹35.3 lakh across multiple accounts.
Prasad received a call from an unknown number, where the caller alleged he owed ₹86 lakh in taxes. Despite his denial, he was connected to a supposed senior I-T officer, Vikram Singh. The scammers falsely accused him of owning a Delhi-based company linked to tax evasion and money laundering.
To intimidate him, they claimed his credentials had been misused and threatened imminent arrest. Fake documents bearing the I-T department seal were sent to bolster their claims. The scammers also instructed Prasad to keep the matter confidential, warning that his family could be implicated. Under pressure, Prasad transferred funds in multiple transactions to four different accounts before realizing he’d been defrauded.
This new scam method was anticipated by cybercrime investigators late last year, as older digital arrest scams began to decline.
Warning to the public
An I-T department official clarified that the department never makes such calls, emphasizing that official notices are issued in case of discrepancies. Bengaluru police have urged citizens to stay alert, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious calls immediately.
This incident highlights the need for continued public awareness about evolving cybercrime tactics.
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