Be Alert! Cybercrime Surge in Karnataka Hits Former MLA, Governor, and Judge

Bengaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Cybercrime cases are witnessing a sharp rise in Karnataka, with fraudsters now daring to target even prominent public figures. In three alarming incidents reported recently, a former MLA, the state’s Governor, and a sitting judge fell prey to various forms of cyber fraud, raising concerns about the increasing boldness and sophistication of cybercriminals.

1. Former MLA Duped of ₹30 Lakh in “Digital Arrest” Scam

In the most serious of the recent cases, former Aurad MLA Gandappa Vakil lost ₹30 lakh after being conned by fraudsters posing as officials from the CBI, ED, and judiciary. On August 12, the caller falsely informed Vakil that he was under investigation for alleged links with businessman Naresh Goyal in a money laundering case.

Claiming that his ATM cards had been seized, the fraudsters told him he was under “digital arrest” and pressured him into transferring ₹30 lakh for a so-called “property investigation”. Realizing the scam later, Vakil lodged a complaint with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Cyber Crime Police, who have launched a probe.

2. Fraudulent Calls to Governor Gehlot

Even Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot was not spared. He reportedly received two fake phone calls claiming to be from Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, alert Raj Bhavan staff quickly verified the number and flagged it as fake. Following this, an FIR was registered at the Central Cyber Police Station.

3. Judge Loses ₹12,000 While Booking Guest House Online

In another case, a judge from Punjab, currently serving in Bengaluru, was scammed while trying to book accommodation at the government-run Kumarkarpa Guest House. Unaware that the website he visited was fake, he contacted a listed number and ended up transferring ₹12,000 to the fraudsters. He discovered the fraud upon arrival in Bengaluru on September 6 and immediately filed a police complaint.

Police Warning and Response

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh warned that cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics, including impersonation, phishing, and scams like “digital arrest”. He added that police are conducting public awareness campaigns through social media to alert citizens and prevent such incidents.

How to Stay Safe:

• Never share personal or financial information over the phone or internet without verifying the source.
• Beware of calls from unknown numbers, even if they claim to be from officials or ministers.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or booking through unofficial websites.
• Report cybercrime immediately at your nearest police station or online at the Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

As cyber threats grow, authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and cautious in all digital transactions.