Bengaluru, September 24, 2025 – Cybercrime in India has reached alarming levels, with fraudsters now targeting not only ordinary citizens but also prominent personalities. The latest victim is Rajya Sabha MP and philanthropist Sudha Murty, who recently received a threatening call from a scammer posing as an official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The fraudster attempted to extract personal information by falsely accusing her of links to obscene online content.

In a separate incident, Preeti, wife of BJP MP K. Sudhakar, fell prey to a “digital arrest” scam, losing several lakhs of rupees before police intervention helped recover the money. These cases underline how no one—from common people to celebrities—is immune from cybercriminals’ tricks.

What Happened With Sudha Murty?

According to news agency ANI, the incident took place on September 5, 2025, when Sudha Murty received a call from a number that appeared on Truecaller as “Telecom Dept.” The caller introduced himself as a DoT officer and claimed that obscene videos were being circulated online through a mobile number linked to her Aadhaar card.

The fraudster threatened that her mobile services would be suspended by noon if she failed to cooperate. The intention was clear—scare the MP into sharing sensitive personal details.

Realizing the fraudulent nature of the call, Sudha Murty promptly filed a complaint at the Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police Station. Authorities registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Police confirmed that the caller had impersonated a DoT official to steal private information and have launched an investigation to trace the culprit.

The Digital Arrest Scam – Another Case of Cyber Deception

Just weeks earlier, another shocking case emerged in Bengaluru involving Preeti, wife of BJP MP K. Sudhakar. On August 26, 2025, she was targeted in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam, where fraudsters impersonated officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Police.

During a WhatsApp video call, scammers claimed that her bank account was linked to illegal transactions. They convinced her to transfer money to an account supposedly belonging to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), promising to return it within 45 minutes. Fearing legal trouble, she complied, losing nearly ₹14 lakh in the process. Fortunately, Bengaluru Police later managed to recover the stolen amount and return it to her.

Cybercrime on the Rise – A Threat to All

These cases highlight the evolving methods of cybercriminals, who now use impersonation, fake caller IDs, and video calls to trap victims. Experts warn that such scams are designed to create panic, forcing victims to act without verification.

Police note that in “digital arrest” frauds, scammers typically:

• Impersonate police or government officials.

• Threaten victims with legal cases or arrests.

• Use manipulated video calls to appear authentic.

• Demand urgent money transfers under the guise of “investigation.”

Public Safety Tips From Authorities

Cybercrime police urge citizens to remain vigilant and follow these safety measures:

• Do not trust caller ID alone. Fraudsters can manipulate names and numbers to appear genuine.

• Verify with official sources. If someone claims to be from DoT, police, or RBI, contact the respective department directly before acting.

• Never share personal or financial details over unsolicited phone calls, emails, or video chats.

• Report suspicious calls immediately to the local cybercrime helpline (1930) or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

A Wake-Up Call for India’s Digital Citizens

The targeting of a respected personality like Sudha Murty shows how far scammers are willing to go to exploit fear and authority. From celebrities to ordinary citizens, everyone is at risk if they fail to stay cautious.

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that awareness and quick reporting are the strongest weapons against such crimes. As digital scams become increasingly sophisticated, staying alert is no longer optional—it is essential for survival in the online world.