Timeline Impact: Malayalam Actress Files FIR Against Fraudster For 'Escort Service' Claims
A Malayalam actress, whose name was used by a fraudster in a scam where she was falsely portrayed as an escort available for service in a Gulf country, has filed an FIR against the perpetrator in Kerala. The FIR was lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ernakulam.
Timeline was the first to report this scam, where a fraudulent scheme offering a ‘Celebrity Escort Service’ surfaced in a Qatar-based NRI messaging group. Orchestrated by an individual identifying as ‘Shyam’ using an Indian number, the scam claimed to provide access to two Malayalam actresses who were visiting the country.
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Shyam detailed the prices for the supposed services in a WhatsApp exchange with a member of the group, quoting 2500 QAR for one actress expected to be in Doha on 4th and 5th October and 3000 QAR for another actress arriving on 6th October.
The perpetrator claimed he had 3-4 celebrities to whom he delivers his ‘clients’ when they reach Qatar. Assuming the role of a Kochi-based event coordinator, Shyam insisted the method of payment be from a confirmed identity and not an anonymous account.
“You can make the payment direct or in advance… but you can’t make the direct payment from an anonymous account,” he emphasised while demanding the NRI’s ID and a video call to confirm their identity.
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The fraudster also shared a series of ‘terms and conditions’ including maintaining hygiene and restrictions on activities such as drugs. “They won’t be ready for a**l sex,” he added. Shyam also clarified that the payment be done through the online method, either full or half in advance (after proper identification). “Rate has been fixed on Indian currency. No bargain,” he insisted.
The scamster even provided the NRI with his Aadhaar, passport, and ICICI account details.
Cyber experts warn that this is yet another scam aimed at extracting money from unsuspecting individuals. The scam is one of many targeting NRIs through messaging apps and leveraging the allure of celebrity culture.
