15 May,2026 03:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ankita Bhargava and her parents (Instagram)
Ankita Bhargava recently opened up about a terrifying scam attempt that nearly trapped her elderly parents, leaving the family shaken and prompting her to warn others about the rising danger of impersonation frauds. The actress revealed that the incident unfolded when a group of men posing as Crime Branch officers arrived at her parents' home and attempted to manipulate them through fear and intimidation.
According to Ankita, the fraudsters appeared highly convincing and carried themselves with the confidence of actual law enforcement officials. Dressed formally and speaking in authoritative tones, they allegedly claimed to be investigating a serious matter connected to the family. The scammers reportedly tried to pressure her parents into cooperating immediately, creating panic and confusion in the household.
Ankita shared that her parents, being senior citizens, were naturally frightened by the sudden arrival of supposed officers at their doorstep. The men allegedly attempted to isolate them emotionally by insisting that the matter was urgent and sensitive. Fortunately, before the situation could escalate further, the family became suspicious about certain inconsistencies in their behaviour and quickly realised something was wrong.
The actress described the experience as horrifying, admitting that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative. She explained that criminals today no longer rely only on phone calls or online messages but are now physically approaching homes while pretending to be police officers or government officials. This makes the fraud feel more believable, especially for elderly people who may hesitate to question authority figures.
Ankita stressed the importance of staying alert and verifying identities before trusting anyone claiming to represent the police or any government agency. She urged people to never panic under pressure and to immediately contact local authorities or family members if they encounter suspicious individuals. The actress also highlighted how scammers deliberately target senior citizens because they are often more vulnerable to fear-based tactics.
The incident has sparked concern online, with many social media users sharing similar experiences involving fake police calls, courier scams and digital arrest frauds. Reports of impersonation scams have increased significantly across India in recent years, with fraudsters using fear and urgency to extort money or personal information from victims.
By sharing her family's experience publicly, Ankita Bhargava hopes more people become cautious and aware before falling prey to such dangerous scams.
