A 56-year-old businessman from Banaswadi lost ₹1.32 crore after being tricked by cyber fraudsters who impersonated Mumbai police officials and accused him of funding terror activities. The scammers used a fake video of people being beaten and detained to intimidate the victim into transferring money to their accounts.

Fake call from ‘Enforce Department’

According to the complaint, the victim, identified as Sitaram R (name changed), received a call at 10.38 am on October 8 from a person claiming to be an officer from the “Mumbai police’s Enforce Department” — a non-existent agency.

The caller accused Sitaram of involvement in money laundering, terrorism funding, and circulating illegal videos. He was also told that a man named OM Abdul Salam had been arrested and that police had recovered a Canara Bank debit card in Sitaram’s name, allegedly linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

The fraudster warned that unless he cooperated, all his assets would be frozen and he could be arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).

Victim coerced through fear and deception

To make the story more convincing, the scammers sent Sitaram a video showing people being taken into custody and assaulted, claiming it was evidence of what happens to “suspects” who refuse to cooperate.

The FIR quoted Sitaram as saying:

“The Enforce Department sent a video showing people being taken into custody and beaten up. This made my mind totally numb and prevented me from conveying this message to my near and dear ones.”

The caller repeatedly told him that the matter was a “national secret” and ordered him not to speak to anyone — not even his wife — about the alleged case.

Six bank transfers over eight days

Believing he was dealing with genuine law enforcement officials, Sitaram transferred ₹1.32 crore between October 8 and 16, through six separate RTGS transactions from his current and savings accounts. One of the transfers alone amounted to ₹52 lakh, police said.

The scammers assured him that the funds would be returned once the “verification” process was complete. However, when the fraudsters stopped responding after October 16, Sitaram realised he had been duped and approached the police.

FIR registered, investigation under way

The Banaswadi police registered an FIR on October 25 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.

Investigators suspect the fraudsters are part of an interstate cybercrime network operating from outside Karnataka. Efforts are on to trace the bank accounts and digital footprints of the accused with the help of the Cybercrime Division.

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and to verify the authenticity of any law enforcement communication before taking action, especially when money transfers are demanded.

Cybercrime awareness on the rise

Bengaluru has reported a steady rise in sophisticated online frauds involving impersonation of police officers, bank officials, and government agencies. Authorities continue to advise the public to report suspicious calls immediately via the 1930 helpline or through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).