NRI duped of ₹37,000 by cyber fraudster posing as TTD official

A non-resident Indian (NRI) was allegedly duped of ₹37,000 by a cybercriminal. According to the case registered at the Tirupati East Police Station, the accused created a fake email account that closely resembled that of a TTD Executive Officer and then sent an email to an NRI devotee, Venkata Prasad, requesting an urgent contribution to purchase raw materials for the preparation of ‘Prasadam’ to be distributed during the proposed ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ event in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Believing the email to be genuine, the NRI transferred the required amount to the fraudster’s account. After not hearing from TTD regarding the receipt of the donation, the victim suspected foul play and raised the issue. Following this, TTD Deputy Vigilance and Security Officer G. Chandra lodged a formal complaint with Tirupati East Inspector M. Srinivasulu. The ministry has mandated the cyber wing to track the criminal’s digital footprint on the internet and trace his antecedents through the beneficiary’s bank account.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 21:09 IST