Imagine getting a call from someone claiming to be a senior police officer—maybe from Delhi Crime Branch or Mumbai Cyber Cell. They say your face has been found in a pornographic video on YouTube, and that a serious case is being filed against you under cyber laws.
Panic hits. Your heart races. You don’t know what to say. And that’s exactly what the scammer wants.
Welcome to one of the most dangerous psychological scams currently circulating in India and across the world:
The Fake Police Officer Porn Accusation Scam.
How the Scam Works
- You receive a call or message from someone posing as a “Cybercrime Police Officer” or “CBI Inspector”.
- They claim: “You are under investigation. Your face was found in an obscene video on YouTube/Instagram. This is a criminal offense under IPC Sections XYZ.”
- The scammer pressures you to:
- Verify your identity via WhatsApp video call
- Send a copy of your Aadhaar or PAN
- Pay a “verification fee” or “case closure bond”
- They often show:
- Fake police ID cards
- Photoshopped FIR documents
- Deepfake screenshots or fake YouTube thumbnails
- They may threaten:
- “Your number is being tracked.”
- “You’ll be arrested today if you don’t cooperate.”
- “This is your last warning to avoid public shame.”
Reality Check: It’s all fake. You’re not in any video. The entire call is a scam designed to extort money and steal your identity.
Why People Fall for It
- Shame: The fear of being accused of something sexually explicit can cause even confident people to freeze up.
- Urgency: Scammers push hard—”This is confidential! Act now or face arrest!”
- Authority pressure: They name-drop high-rank positions (ACP, DCP, Cyber Cell Inspector) and refer to legal sections like 292 IPC or IT Act sections to sound real.
- Fear of defamation: “Your video is going viral” is enough to make people irrational.
Variants of This Scam
- WhatsApp or Telegram messages from fake police IDs or “Women’s Commission” officers
- Deepfake videos with your face morphed into obscene videos (rare but technically possible)
- Requests to “appear” before a video investigation panel—which is really just another excuse to steal data
- Blackmailing for silence: “Pay ₹10,000 to settle this quietly.”
Red Flags to Look Out For
- Caller claims to be from police but contacts you through WhatsApp
- Demands money via UPI or wallet apps (no legal authority ever does this)
- No official email, case ID, or FIR number from a government domain
- Threats of arrest without following any legal procedure
- Refuses to let you speak to a local police station
What to Do If You Get Such a Call
- Stay calm. The goal of the scammer is to make you panic.
- Don’t send any documents or money.
- Ask for their full name, badge number, and police station—they will usually hang up.
- Record the call if possible and take screenshots of any WhatsApp messages.
- Report the number immediately:
- Call 1930 (National Cybercrime Helpline – India)
- File a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Report the WhatsApp number directly within the app
What Real Police Officers Will Never Do
- They won’t call you randomly about a pornographic video
- They won’t ask for money or UPI transfers
- They won’t threaten arrest over WhatsApp or video call
- If there is a case, you will receive official notice or summons in writing
How to Protect Yourself & Others
- Never share sensitive documents over WhatsApp unless verified
- Warn elderly parents and teenagers—they’re common targets
- Set your social media to private; scammers often scrape your photos
- Don’t click suspicious YouTube links claiming to show you in a video
- Educate your staff (maids, drivers, delivery boys) who may be vulnerable
Final Words: Don’t Let Fear Win
These scammers are not just after your money—they’re attacking your peace of mind. But with awareness, calmness, and quick action, you can protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
