How fraudsters used fake police call, 'PFI links' to trick Bengaluru businessman into paying ₹1.32 crore

The businessman from Banaswadi, was falsely accused of supporting the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and funding terrorist activities.

Published on: Oct 29, 2025, 11:17:54 IST

By Shivya Kanojia

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A 56-year-old businessman from Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹1.32 crore by fraudsters posing as police officers. The scammers used a fake video showing people being beaten to intimidate the victim into making the transfers.

The scammers used a fake video showing people being beaten to intimidate the victim into making the transfers. (Unsplash )

The businessman from Banaswadi, was falsely accused of supporting the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and funding terrorist activities, as per a report by Deccan Herald (DH).

On the morning of October 8, the victim received a call from someone claiming to be from Mumbai police’s fictitious ‘Enforce Department’. The caller accused him of money laundering and of sharing illegal videos.

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The fraudster said police had raided a person named OM Abdul Salam and found a Canara Bank debit card in his name, allegedly linked to PFI and terror activities. To avoid arrest and asset freezing, the victim was instructed to transfer money to a designated account. The caller assured him the amount would be returned after verification.

The fraudsters warned him not to inform anyone, including his wife, and repeatedly used phrases like “national secret” to frighten him. They also sent a video showing people being taken into custody and beaten, which left the businessman terrified and unable to contact his family.

Between October 8 and 16, the businessman made six transfers from his current and savings accounts, including a single payment of ₹52 lakh, totalling ₹1.32 crore.

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After the fraudsters stopped contacting him, the victim filed an FIR on October 25. Further investigation in the case is underway.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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