Bengaluru airport lounge scam: How scamsters stole Rs 87000 from woman through app

A woman claimed to have lost over Rs 87,000 in a scam in Bengaluru airport. According to the woman, named Bhargavi Mani, she fell victim to the scam at Bengaluru International Airport while attempting to access a lounge before her flight.

In a viral video, the woman explained how she was duped by the scamsters. According to Mani, she was not carrying her physical credit card and showed a photo of it to the lounge staff. She was then told to download an app and complete a facial scan for security purposes.

Mani downloaded the "Lounge Pass" app but decided to get coffee at Starbucks instead of using the lounge. Later, she found she could not receive calls and discovered strangers were answering her calls. Mani then realized her credit card had been fraudulently charged over Rs 87,000, which was transferred to a PhonePay account.


Mani has reported the incident to the cybercrime department, informed her bank, and blocked her card.

Later, the woman issued another video clarifying that she did not blame Bengaluru International Airport or its authorities.



In the video she said that the airport authorities have reached out to me minutes after she posted the first video and that the authorities are actively assisting with the situation.

Common Phone Scams to Avoid

• TRAI Scam: You receive a call claiming your number is linked to illegal activities. The call is forwarded to a fraudster impersonating a cybercrime official.
  Note: TRAI does not disconnect services; telecom companies do.
• Digital Arrest Threat: A fraudster poses as a police officer, claiming the victim is under investigation and threatens digital arrest through fake video calls.
  Note: Police do not conduct digital arrests. Disconnect and report.
• Family Member Arrest Scam: A caller claims a relative will be arrested unless charges are paid off. Some scammers may use AI to imitate the family member’s voice.
  Note: Confirm with the family member before taking action.
• Stock Trading Scam: Fake ads promise high stock returns. Victims are led to bogus portfolios and encouraged to invest more until the scammers vanish.
  Note: High-return schemes are often scams.
• Easy Task Offers: Scammers promise money for simple tasks, then request investments in cryptos for returns. Victims lose larger sums after initial small payments.
  Note: Easy money schemes are typically scams.
• Customs Interception: Victims are told a parcel with contraband is stuck at customs and must pay to resolve it.
  Note: Clicking links can compromise your device. Disconnect and report.
• Bogus Credit Card Calls: A fake executive claims a large transaction occurred and requests card details.
  Note: You will receive SMS alerts for legitimate transactions.
• False Money Transfer Claims: A scam text claims funds were credited to your account, and the scammer asks for repayment of a 'mistaken' transfer.
  Note: Verify with your bank before acting.
• KYC Expiry Scam: Victims receive requests to update KYC via links, leading to personal data theft.
  Note: Banks do not request KYC updates via links.
• Tax Refund Scam: Fraudsters posing as tax officials ask for bank details to expedite refunds, then steal funds.