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A bizarre fraud case from Tamil Nadu has drawn widespread attention after three women reportedly shaved their heads believing they would receive government financial assistance. The incident highlights how scammers are increasingly using fabricated government schemes and misinformation to deceive unsuspecting people.

According to reports, the victims acted after receiving a phone call from a person posing as a government official. The caller claimed that a new state welfare scheme offered cash benefits to people who shaved their heads as a preventive measure against a supposedly dangerous disease. The promise turned out to be completely false, and the women later discovered they had fallen victim to an elaborate scam.

Fraudster Allegedly Posed as a Government Official

The incident reportedly took place in Puthukothampadi village near Attur in Tamil Nadu's Salem district. One evening, a village resident received a phone call from a man who introduced himself as a Tahsildar from the local revenue office.

To gain the victim's confidence, the caller allegedly knew not only her name but also details about members of her family. This made the conversation appear genuine, reducing any suspicion that the call might be fraudulent.

Using this false identity, the caller convinced the woman that he was sharing details of a newly launched government welfare initiative.

False Claims About a New Infectious Disease

The scammer allegedly claimed that a highly contagious disease, similar to COVID-19, had started spreading and that the infection could be transmitted through human hair.

He further claimed that several countries had advised people to shave their heads to reduce the risk of infection. To make the story appear more convincing, he allegedly said the Tamil Nadu government had introduced a financial assistance scheme for those willing to do so.

According to the false claims made during the call:

• Women who shaved their heads would receive ₹15,000.
• Female students would be given ₹45,000 and a laptop.
• Men would receive ₹6,000.

Authorities have not announced any such scheme.

Limited Tokens Created a Sense of Urgency

The caller reportedly increased the pressure by saying that only 18 beneficiaries from the village would qualify for the financial assistance.

He allegedly told residents that government officials would visit the village the following afternoon to distribute the money, but only to those who had already shaved their heads.

The mention of limited slots and immediate financial benefits helped the rumour spread quickly throughout the village. Several residents reportedly believed the information without independently verifying it.

Three Women Acted Before the Truth Emerged

As the story circulated, nearly 20 villagers reportedly considered participating in the supposed scheme.

Among them, three elderly women decided to shave their heads immediately, believing they would receive the promised financial assistance the following day.

However, when the expected government officials never arrived, the women attempted to contact the number again. By then, the phone had reportedly been switched off.

It was only after repeated attempts to reach the caller failed that they realized they had been deceived. Other villagers who had planned to shave their heads reportedly abandoned the idea after learning the truth.

Police Begin Investigation

Following the incident, local police initiated an investigation to identify the individual responsible for the fraudulent phone call.

Investigators are reportedly trying to determine how the caller obtained the victims' names and details about their family members, information that likely helped establish trust during the conversation.

Authorities are also examining whether similar calls were made to residents in nearby villages.

Social Media Reacts

The unusual incident quickly gained attention online after details of the case surfaced on social media.

Many users expressed sympathy for the women, saying they had been manipulated through fear and false promises. Others pointed to the case as an example of how scammers continue to exploit people's trust by pretending to represent government departments.

Some social media users also called for stronger action against cyber fraudsters and urged authorities to improve public awareness about fake government schemes circulating through phone calls and messaging platforms.

How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams

Cybersecurity experts advise people to verify any government scheme before taking action. Here are a few precautions:

• Never trust unsolicited calls claiming to offer government benefits.
• Verify schemes only through official government websites or local administrative offices.
• Avoid making decisions based on urgency or limited-time offers.
• Do not share personal or family information with unknown callers.
• Report suspicious calls to local police or cybercrime authorities.

Final Takeaway

The Tamil Nadu incident serves as a reminder that scammers are constantly inventing new methods to exploit public trust. While online fraud is often associated with financial theft or phishing, this case demonstrates that criminals may also manipulate people through fear, misinformation, and fabricated government schemes.

Before believing any unexpected phone call or offer of financial assistance, always verify the information through official channels. A few minutes of verification can help prevent emotional distress, financial loss, and unnecessary hardship.