Imagine this: you hear about a “half-price” offer on a scooter, a laptop, or even a sewing machine. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that’s exactly what thousands of people in Kerala fell for in early 2025. Behind this massive ₹1,000 crore scam was a 26-year-old man from Idukki, Ananthu Krishnan.
He used the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to make it look legitimate and ended up fooling tens of thousands of people.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how this scam worked, who it targeted, and how to identify and report such scams.
Ananthu Krishnan Scam Kerala
The Ananthu Krishnan scam in Kerala was a large-scale “half-price” fraud that duped thousands of people.
At the core of the scam was a simple but effective trick: Krishnan promised products like scooters, laptops, and sewing machines at half the market price, claiming that the remaining amount would be covered by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from reputed companies.
To make the scheme look legitimate, he created a network of over 2,000 NGOs and used fake endorsements from political leaders and local promoters.
Victims were asked to pay upfront for these discounted products, trusting that the CSR funding would cover the rest. In reality, the products were never delivered, and the money collected was moved through multiple bank accounts to hide the fraud.
The scam affected over 40,000 people, with total losses running into hundreds of crores of rupees.
Key tactics used in the scam:
- Unrealistic discounts to lure buyers.
- Urgency and pressure to make quick payments.
- Fake endorsements and political backing to build trust.
- Lack of transparency about funding and product delivery.
When the scam came to light, authorities acted fast. Krishnan was arrested in January 2025, and investigations revealed the operation’s true scale. The Crime Branch now handles more than 1,300 complaints, and the Kerala High Court is involved in coordinating the cases.
How to Identify Such Scams?
Scams like Ananthu Krishnan’s “half-price” scheme often follow certain patterns. Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to spot them before you lose money. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Unrealistic Discounts: Offers that seem “too good to be true” are often a red flag. If a scooter, laptop, or expensive appliance is being sold at half the price—or even less—take a step back. Legitimate businesses rarely give such steep discounts without a clear, verifiable reason.
- Pressure and Urgency: Scammers often push you to act fast. They may say that the offer is available “only today” or “limited to the first 50 people.” This sense of urgency is meant to prevent you from thinking carefully or verifying details.
- Vague or Confusing Details: If the company or scheme cannot clearly explain how it operates, where the funds come from, or how delivery will happen, it’s a warning sign. Legitimate initiatives are transparent about processes, costs, and timelines.
- Fake Endorsements: Scammers often claim backing from celebrities, politicians, NGOs, or even government schemes. These endorsements are usually fake or unverifiable. Always double-check independently before trusting them.
- Complex Payment Methods: Requests to pay through multiple accounts, wallets, or unofficial channels are common in scams. Avoid sending money through untraceable methods or third-party accounts.
- Excessive Secrecy or Confusion: Scammers deliberately avoid clear communication or provide conflicting information. If you feel confused, pressured, or kept in the dark, it’s likely a scam.
- Promises That Don’t Add Up: CSR funding, government subsidies, or “special schemes” that are supposed to cover huge costs are often misrepresented. Always verify if such claims are backed by official sources.
Take a step back and research thoroughly. Check official websites, read reviews, and search for complaints. Awareness is the most effective protection.
How to Report Scams Like This?
If you ever come across suspicious schemes like the Ananthu Krishnan half-price scam, taking action quickly can protect you and others. Here’s what you should do:
- Report to Local Police: File a complaint at your nearest police station. Make sure to keep all receipts, screenshots, or communications as evidence.
- File a cyber crime complaint: Many scams operate online. You can register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in).
- Reach Out to Consumer Protection Agencies: State consumer helplines or the Consumer Forum can help you claim refunds or compensation.
- Notify Banks or Payment Providers: If you’ve made payments, inform your bank immediately. They may be able to freeze or reverse transactions.
- Share Awareness: Warn friends, family, and community members. The more people know, the fewer victims there will be.
Pro Tip: Always act quickly and document everything. Early reporting increases the chances of recovery and helps authorities catch the scammers.
Need help?
If you’ve been affected by a scam like this, register with us to report it and get guidance from the authorities. We can help you recover the money if you act fast and report.
Conclusion
The Ananthu Krishnan half-price scam is a stark reminder that fraudsters can disguise even the most tempting offers as legitimate. Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses—always question deals that seem too good to be true, verify details, and act cautiously.
By staying informed and reporting suspicious schemes, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent others from falling victim. Remember, quick action and careful verification can make all the difference.
