Fake Mangaluru Police Website Used in Online Scam, Case Registered

Authorities in Mangaluru have registered a case after discovering a fraudulent website impersonating the Mangaluru City Police, which was being used to carry out online scams targeting citizens, particularly senior citizens.

The complaint revealed that the fake site closely mimicked the official police portal, using deceptive URLs, logos, and design elements to appear legitimate. Victims were lured into online gambling schemes and other fraudulent transactions, resulting in financial loss.

How the Scam Operated

Cybercriminals used the fake website to contact unsuspecting individuals, encouraging participation in online betting, fund transfers, or fake transactions. While the site looked like an official government platform, it had no affiliation with the Mangaluru Police.

Officials emphasized that scammers rely on the appearance of credibility to gain victims’ trust, making it crucial for users to verify any links before entering personal or financial information.

Ongoing Investigation

The Mangaluru City Police Cyber Wing and technical teams have launched a detailed investigation. Initial findings indicate the operators of the site remain unidentified, and authorities are examining whether a larger network is involved. The case has been filed under relevant cybercrime provisions, and questioning of potential suspects is underway.

Cybercrime experts warn that such scams are increasingly common. Criminals exploit official-sounding domains and designs to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, OTPs, and banking details. Authorities advise that all official transactions should only be conducted via verified government portals.

The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive information online, and report suspicious websites or messages to local authorities immediately.

This incident underscores the growing sophistication of digital fraud, highlighting the need for awareness and precaution to prevent financial exploitation through fake government websites.