Fake ATS-NIA threat call scam leaves Bengaluru man ₹5.53 lakh poorer

Fraudsters posing as ATS and NIA officers used fear tactics linked to a Delhi blast case, forced a video call, and siphoned off lakhs from a Sudip fan before the fraud was exposed.

A Bengaluru resident has fallen victim to a new and alarming cyber fraud, where scammers impersonated officers of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), threatening him with arrest in connection with a Delhi blast case and cheating him of ₹5.53 lakh.

According to the complaint, the victim, identified as Sharan R. Mukund, a known fan of actor Sudeep, received a call from a person claiming to be from ATS. The caller falsely alleged that Sharan’s mobile number had been used in the Delhi Red Fort blast case and warned him of serious legal consequences.

When Sharan denied any involvement, the caller claimed that the matter would be escalated and that an NIA officer would contact him shortly. Soon after, Sharan received video calls from the numbers +91 9620122894 and +91 6262656645, where another fraudster introduced himself as Gaurav, an NIA officer.

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During the video call, the accused told Sharan that they were recording his video statement and instructed him to remain continuously on the call. Using fear and authority, the fraudsters extracted personal details and bank account information from him.

The tone later changed, with the scammers assuring Sharan that they could “save him from the case” if  he cooperated. They demanded money, claiming it was a “government fee” required to issue a “Certificate of Innocence”, promising that the amount would be refunded once the case was closed.

Trusting their claims, Sharan transferred money in multiple stages, eventually sending ₹5.53 lakh to various bank accounts linked to the accused. It was only later that he realised the calls were fake and that he had been cheated.

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The victim immediately contacted the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and later lodged a formal complaint at the South CEN police station.

Police have noted that fraudsters are increasingly misusing sensitive national security incidents, including terror cases, to intimidate and cheat innocent citizens.