Indore actor duped Rs50,000 in casting scam:Fraudster lured actor with Sonakshi Sinha’s mother role in Dahaad-2, took money and vanished away

A 50-year-old woman actor from the city was duped of Rs50,000 by a cyber-fraudster who posed as a representative of a reputed production house and offered her a role in the upcoming web series Dahaad–2. The incident has once again highlighted how online crooks are exploiting the aspirations of artists seeking opportunities in films and OTT platforms. The fraudulent pitch According to the Crime Branch, the victim, Anjali (name changed), who works as a television and serial actor, received a WhatsApp call from an unidentified man. Introducing himself as an official from Mumbai-based Dharma Productions, he claimed that she had been shortlisted for the role of actor Sonakshi Sinha’s mother in Dahaad–2. To appear credible, the caller spoke about an ‘upcoming schedule,’ discussed character details, and asked her to share acting-related videos. He even staged a fake selection process to gain her trust. The money trap Once convinced, the woman was told she had been selected and would be paid Rs3 lakh after completing formalities. However, she was asked to first deposit Rs25,000 as an advance to ‘confirm the role’. Trusting the claim, she transferred the amount via PhonePe. The fraudster later mentioned that Dharma Productions’ Indore coordinator, ‘Geeta Sharma,’ would handle the next steps. Soon after, he contacted her again, claiming Sharma’s son had died, and instructed her to continue dealing with him directly. He then sent her a QR code and demanded another Rs25,000 for ‘registration and costume charges.’ Believing the explanation, she transferred the second installment too. After receiving a total of Rs50,000, the accused cut communication and disappeared from WhatsApp. Complaint and investigation Realising she had been cheated, the victim approached the Crime Branch and lodged a complaint through the 1930 cyber helpline. Acting swiftly, we froze the bank accounts linked to the transaction and initiated the process of refunding her money. An investigation is underway to identify and trace the suspect. Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional DCP (Crime), Indore Indore Police cyber advisory With similar online fraud cases rising, the Crime Branch has issued a fresh warning to citizens: The police have urged aspiring actors to rely only on verified casting platforms and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online.