Watching Porn Can Land You in Legal Trouble? Scammers Impersonate CBI, Send Fake Emails Accusing Recipients of Serious Crimes; Check Modus Operandi of New Scam
The scam recently came to light after influencer and web developer Aakash Rajput shared a video detailing how he received one such email. In the video, Rajput explained how the message alleged that the CBI was “after him” for watching pornographic content. He highlighted several red flags in the email and warned users that anyone could become a victim if they fail to identify these fraudulent tactics.
Mumbai, December 16: Scammers have found a new way to defraud innocent citizens. In a new online scam that has surfaced recently, fraudsters are sending threatening emails accusing recipients of serious crimes such as child pornography and pedophilia.
The scam recently came to light after influencer and web developer Aakash Rajput shared a video detailing how he received one such email. In the video, Rajput explained how the message alleged that the CBI was “after him” for watching pornographic content. He highlighted several red flags in the email and warned users that anyone could become a victim if they fail to identify these fraudulent tactics. Global OTT Subscription Scam Busted in Noida: 6 Arrested for Duping NRIs With Pirated Streaming Content; Cops Seize 20 Phones, 5 CPUs and Monitors During Raid.
Fake CBI Sends Email Accusing User of Watching Porn
Modus Operandi of the Scam
According to Rajput, the first warning sign is the sender’s email address. Despite claiming to be from the CBI or other government departments, the emails are sent from ordinary Gmail accounts. Another common indicator is that the mail is sent using BCC, suggesting it is mass-distributed to multiple recipients. The email typically includes an attachment, often a blurred image file such as a JPEG, which recipients are urged to open or download. Cyber experts warn that downloading such files may install malware or ransomware on the device. The messages also avoid using the recipient’s real name, instead using vague or generic salutations.
Centre Warns Against Fake Letter Seeking Response Over Porn on Devices
The Ministry of Home Affairs has already flagged this scam. In 2024, Cyber Dost, the official cyber safety awareness handle of the ministry, issued a public warning clarifying that the letter circulating online is fake. “No such letter has been issued by any organisation under the Government of India or I4C,” Cyber Dost said in a social media post. Google Sign-In Alert Scam Explained: How This New Online Fraud Works and How To Keep Your Gmail Account Safe.
Govt Warns Against a Viral Letter on Watching Porn
Authorities have urged the public not to panic if they receive such emails and to avoid replying, downloading attachments, or making any payments. For legitimate cybercrime complaints, citizens have been advised to report incidents only through the official government portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2025 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).