Fake NIA arrest warrant: Bengaluru employee loses ₹3.2 lakh in cyber fraud

A 46-year-old warehouse in-charge at a private firm in Bengaluru has lodged a police complaint after being cheated of ₹3.2 lakh by unidentified persons who posed as officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and threatened him with arrest using a fake warrant.

According to the complaint, the victim received multiple WhatsApp video calls on August 1. The caller, who introduced himself as V. Kumar, claimed to be an officer from the NIA branch. He told the man that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name and threatened to arrest him unless he transferred ₹3.2 lakh immediately.

Panicked, the victim transferred the amount. The accused then assured him that the money would be deposited with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for verification and would be returned within 24 hours.

Later, when the victim informed his company's managing director about the incident, he was told that it was a cyber fraud. He subsequently contacted the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), where his complaint was registered and he was advised to file a formal police complaint. In his complaint, the victim also alleged that the fraudsters misused his managing director's photograph and identity as part of the deception.

The police have started an investigation to track down the accused through the money transactions.

This incident highlights a growing trend of cyber frauds where criminals impersonate officials from law enforcement or investigative agencies to intimidate victims with fabricated legal actions. Authorities urge citizens to stay calm in such situations, verify any claims through official channels, and immediately report suspicious calls or messages to the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.