Mumbai Lawyer Duped of Rs 5 Lakh in Neha Kakkar Impersonation Scam
In a shocking case of online fraud, a Mumbai-based lawyer lost Rs 5 lakh to scammers posing as Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar. The fraudsters used a fake promotional video to lure the victim into a bogus brand collaboration scheme.
How the Scam Operated
The 42-year-old lawyer from Andheri received an Instagram message from an account impersonating Neha Kakkar. The message offered an “exclusive investment opportunity” in a brand collaboration with guaranteed high returns.
To appear legitimate, the scammers shared a deepfake-style video of Neha Kakkar endorsing a fake product. They further gained trust through phone calls with a woman claiming to be the singer.
Once convinced, the victim transferred Rs 5 lakh to multiple accounts for “registration fees” and “GST.” The scammers disappeared after receiving the payment.
Police Action & Investigation
The Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell filed an FIR under the IPC and IT Act. Authorities froze the fraudulent bank accounts, which were opened using fake IDs.
A senior officer stated:
“This scam combines deepfake tech and social engineering. We’re tracking digital footprints and expect breakthroughs soon.”
Rise in Celebrity Impersonation Scams
Similar scams have surged recently, with fraudsters using fake endorsements from stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Virat Kohli. In Delhi, a businessman lost Rs 3.2 lakh to a fake SRK “charity event” last month.
How to Avoid Such Frauds
- Verify Social Media Handles – Check for blue ticks on celebrity profiles.
- Reject Unsolicited Offers – Genuine collaborations don’t demand upfront payments.
- Question Unrealistic Returns – High-profit promises are usually red flags.
- Report Immediately – Alert platforms and file a police complaint if targeted.
Neha Kakkar’s Official Response
The singer’s team denied involvement, stating:
“Neha Kakkar does not participate in private investment schemes. Such claims are fraudulent.”
Key Takeaways
With scams growing more sophisticated, vigilance is crucial. Always verify before transferring money—celebrities won’t message you randomly for investments.
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