Paatal Lok fame Tillotama Shome issues public warning over online impersonation scam

Critically acclaimed actress Tillotama Shome has raised the alarm over an online impersonation scam, warning her followers about a fraudster misusing her identity to solicit favours. The incident came to light after Shome posted an alert on her Instagram account on April 21, 2025.

The actress, known for her powerful performances in Angrezi Medium, Delhi Crime, The Night Manager, and Paatal Lok, revealed that someone was using a still from her Bengali-language film Shadowbox (Baksho Bondi) as a display picture on WhatsApp. The impersonator was reportedly reaching out to individuals, pretending to be Shome, and attempting to ask for help under false pretences.

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"This is not my number. The photo being used as the DP is of our film @bakshobondifilm. It was since removed. To whoever you may be, please don’t use my name to ask the people I know for things. STOP," Shome stated in her Instagram post.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tillotama Shome (@tillotamashome)

She included screenshots of the offending phone number and a snippet of a WhatsApp chat in which the impersonator appeared to solicit favours by pretending to be the actress. Shome clarified that she had not asked anyone for help and urged her followers to avoid engaging with the number in question.

Rising Trend in Celebrity Impersonation Scams

Incidents of impersonation targeting celebrities have become increasingly frequent across digital platforms. These scams often involve fraudsters misusing the public identities of well-known personalities to exploit their personal networks or fan bases. Cybersecurity experts have consistently advised internet users to verify suspicious messages and refrain from sharing personal information or favours online without confirmation.

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Professional High Point for Shome

On the professional front, Shome continues to garner praise for her role in the second season of Paatal Lok. The gritty crime thriller, headlined by Jaideep Ahlawat, is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The new season, released in January 2025, has been well received for its taut narrative and strong performances, with Shome’s character gaining particular attention.