Residents and business owners in Bangalore, particularly those operating shops, bakeries, or hotels, are warned to stay vigilant against a new scam involving fake journalists. These imposters have been entering shops under the guise of reporting for a TV channel, threatening to expose alleged violations in exchange for hefty sums of money.
These individuals, usually posing as reporters, claim to represent a prominent TV channel. Armed with a mobile phone and a fake TV channel logo, they barge into bakeries, hotels, and even pet shops without prior permission. Once inside, they start recording videos of the premises, especially in areas like kitchens, which are generally off-limits without proper authorization.
Their tactic is simple yet effective: after taking videos of these areas, they confront the shop owners and accuse them of running unhygienic establishments. They threaten to report the violations to authorities like the BBMP Health Department and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), potentially leading to the cancellation of licenses and even jail time for the owners. To avoid these consequences, the shop owners are asked for a hefty “settlement” fee, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the business size.
Bangalore, home to a population of over 1.4 crore, has seen a rise in such blackmail cases, with scammers disguising themselves in various ways. These fake journalists have become a particular nuisance in the city, targeting unsuspecting business owners. In one such instance, a couple claiming to be journalists successfully extorted over 50 bakery owners, earning large sums of money through threats and coercion.
One such business owner, operating SLV Bakery Sweets near DLF Hulimavu, fell victim to this extortion scheme. After capturing footage of the bakery, the scammers threatened to submit the video to authorities, accusing the shop of unsanitary conditions. In a panic, the bakery owner transferred a sum of money via UPI to the fraudsters. After realising the extent of the scam, the owner contacted friends, who advised him to file a complaint at the Hulimavu Police Station.
Following the bakery owner’s complaint, police reviewed CCTV footage and managed to arrest two individuals involved in the scam. The culprits were found to be connected to a YouTube channel and an organisation called Prajapara, with one of the critical fraudsters identified as Shafi. It was revealed that Shafi had committed similar fraudulent activities in multiple areas, including Bandepalaya.
Despite the arrest, Shafi and his accomplices tried to claim connections to local MLAs and other influential individuals, attempting to intimidate the authorities. However, further investigation into their background revealed their pattern of deception, leading to their detention.
The Hulimavu police, led by local officers, continue investigating the case. So far, the accused have been charged with fraud and extortion. Business owners are urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity to the police immediately. The BBMP and FSSAI have also been made aware of the rising number of fake journalists attempting to leverage their names for personal gain.
Police have urged business owners to verify the credentials of journalists who approach their establishments and avoid paying settlements without consulting legal channels. They have also advised businesses to install CCTV cameras and monitor staff activity closely, especially in vulnerable areas like kitchens and storage facilities, which have been the main targets of the fraudsters.
This latest case of fraudulent journalists blackmailing business owners in Bangalore highlights a growing issue in the city. With more than 50 bakery owners falling victim to such scams, local authorities are taking strict action to prevent further incidents. Residents are advised to remain cautious, verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be media personnel, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
As the investigation continues, the arrest of key members of the scam, including Shafi, is a significant step toward cracking down on this extortion ring. However, business owners across the city should remain on high alert and work with local law enforcement to ensure they are not these unscrupulous fraudsters’ next targets.
