Cybercriminals attempt to scam Karnataka Upalokayukta using fake legal identities

In a shocking incident, Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice K N Phaneendra narrowly escaped falling prey to an elaborate cyber fraud attempt. The scam, which unfolded on July 9, involved fraudsters posing as senior legal consultants from the Data Protection Board of India, claiming that Phaneendra's Aadhaar-linked mobile number was involved in criminal activities.

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The fraudsters, who introduced themselves as Deepak Kumar Sharma (Senior Legal Consultant) and Rahul Kumar Sharma (Junior Consultant), called the Upalokayukta and claimed to be operating out of a Mumbai-based firm affiliated with the national data protection authority. They alleged that illegal activities had been carried out using his Aadhaar-linked number and attempted to blackmail him with threats of legal action.

However, Justice Phaneendra, sensing something suspicious, asked them to send a formal notice instead of continuing the conversation. When they failed to respond appropriately and continued to push their fraudulent claims, he immediately suspected foul play.

He later lodged a formal complaint with the Central Division Cyber Police Station, prompting an FIR and investigation by the station’s Special Crime and Economic Offences wing. Police are currently tracking the source of the call and working to identify the accused behind the impersonation attempt.