BENGALURU: Rising South Indian actress Rukmini Vasanth has warned fans about a cyber fraudster impersonating her online. Bengaluru Police have launched an investigation amid a broader surge in impersonation scams targeting public figures across India.
A Rising Star Faces a Digital Deception
Rukmini Vasanth, one of the fastest-rising names in South Indian cinema, found herself at the center of a digital storm this week after revealing that an unknown individual has been impersonating her online. The actress, known for her acclaimed performances in Saptha Sagaradaache Ello, Madharasi, and Kantara: Chapter 1, said that someone had been using a fake identity to contact people in her name on social media and messaging platforms.
Taking to her official page on X, Vasanth publicly clarified that a mobile number circulating under her name was fraudulent.
“I want to clarify that this number does not belong to me, and any messages or calls from it are completely fake. Please do not respond or engage with such messages,” she wrote.
Her statement immediately drew wide attention across film and fan communities, underscoring how even public figures in India are increasingly becoming targets of digital impersonation and identity theft.
Bengaluru Police Respond Promptly
Soon after her post went viral, the Bengaluru City Police issued a formal response on their official social media channels.
“This person is making fake contacts. Please do not share any information. Please file a complaint at the nearest police station,” the department advised.
Officials confirmed that cybercrime investigators are now tracking the origin of the fraudulent number and the individuals behind the impersonation.
The city’s cyber police division has recorded a steady increase in such cases — where criminals pose as celebrities, corporate executives, or government officials to solicit money or personal information. In many instances, scammers exploit public trust or fan enthusiasm, luring unsuspecting individuals with offers of professional collaboration or exclusive access.
An Actress Speaks Out Against Cybercrime
Vasanth, who has built a reputation for authenticity and artistic range, used the incident to advocate for digital vigilance. Calling the impersonation “a clear act of cybercrime,” she emphasized that appropriate legal measures were being taken and urged her followers to verify all communications through her official team.
“Everyone should be vigilant not to be fooled by such fake communications,” she said, adding that anyone with doubts could reach out to her team directly. Her proactive stance won widespread praise online, with fans applauding her courage in speaking publicly about an issue that many celebrities prefer to handle privately.
A Broader Problem in India’s Digital Landscape
The impersonation of public figures is not an isolated case. According to cybercrime data from state police forces and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), social media–based frauds have risen sharply in recent years, driven by easy access to spoofing tools and fake accounts. Fraudsters often target fans or business associates, attempting to extract money, personal details, or endorsements by posing as celebrities.
Experts warn that India’s rapid digital adoption — over 820 million internet users and a booming influencer economy — has outpaced the mechanisms for online identity verification.
“Celebrities are increasingly vulnerable because their public profiles make them easy bait for impersonation,” a senior cybercrime official in Bengaluru noted.
For actors like Rukmini Vasanth, who are simultaneously navigating fame and privacy in the digital era, such scams are not just professional nuisances — they are reminders of how porous the boundaries of identity have become online.
