A 19 year old engineering student K. Chetan was surprised to receive a call from the production team of Kaun Banega Crorepati and informed him that as his mobile phone service provider was one of the promoters of the programme, his number was randomly selected.

Chetan was asked to pay Rs 15,000 as the entry fee as he was selected for the 9th season of the programme and the shoot would begin next month for which he was invited. However, after depositing the money in a bank account the caller stated, Chetan received no call nor took his calls which led him to the realization that he was cheated.

But not just Chetan, many residents have been getting calls from KBC ‘production team’; approximately 30 residents have been cheated over the scam as they paid thousands to earn a chance to be on the programme.

The Central Crime Station DCP Ravi Varma stated that many victims involved professionals, techies and students. Cyber Officials advised that such gimmicks should not be encouraged and the youngsters should not fall prey to the scamsters.