Karan Tacker has warned fans about a fast-evolving online scam after fraudsters impersonating his manager shifted from WhatsApp to Telegram to dodge blocks. The actor says the con artists are luring people with paid promises of a meeting, and he is working with cybercrime while using Instagram to get the word out.
Scammers jump platforms, fans flood inbox
Soon after Tacker’s alert on Instagram, his inbox was swamped. ‘Since I put the post up, I have got hundreds of messages,’ he said, pointing to reports that the imposters are now active on Telegram after being blocked on WhatsApp.
He adds that the speed of the pivot shows how persistent the scammers are, which is why he is doubling down on public warnings.
How the pitch hooks victims
The approach is simple but slick. According to Tacker, the scammers pose as his manager, promise to connect fans with him, and then demand an advance. The script is adjusted on the fly: they first ask whether the target knows the actor personally. If the answer is yes, the chat ends.
That early filter helps them avoid being exposed, which is why Tacker wants potential targets to know the red flags before any money changes hands.
What Tacker did immediately
The actor says he contacted cybercrime as soon as he received screenshots from media contacts and a Delhi-based associate who handles events. ‘So, I got in touch with cybercrime, who said that they blocked the number,’ he noted.
He also posted a story and a post on Instagram to caution followers, but the clampdown on one number only pushed the scammers to other apps.
No losses reported yet, but stakes are rising
Tacker says he has not received any messages confirming that a fan has lost money so far. He still worries people could slip up. ‘People should ideally not fall prey to it, but human beings are also innocent. Everyone is allowed to make their own share of mistakes,’ he said.
He believes there is already enough public information on who represents actors for legitimate contact. His view: the responsibility is shared, and he will keep doing his bit to limit harm.
The AI worry, and what you should do now
Tacker is also eyeing a bigger threat: AI-powered impersonation. ‘Anything is possible and maybe if they start doing that, falsely impersonating me, it’s a big credibility issue,’ he cautioned. His bottom line remains unchanged: ‘My primary concern right now is that no one should get scammed.’
Here is what Tacker is asking fans to do next:
– Verify anyone claiming to represent him
– Do not pay advances through unofficial channels
– Cross-check representation details before engaging
– Flag suspicious messages to cybercrime
The actor’s message is blunt and timely. The grifters are adapting fast, and the best defence is scepticism plus verification. If a message dangles access for a fee, treat it as a red alert.
What comes next is more vigilance from Tacker and his team, and hopefully fewer places for scammers to hide. Until then, his advice is clear: slow down, double-check, and keep your money in your wallet.
