Warning: Fake Call from Delhi court claiming case against you!

What would you do if you’re informed of a legal case someone has filed against you? As a law abiding citizen you don’t want any trouble with the courts and will probably seek advice from advocates to help you tide over the situation. There’re some people trying to exploit this vulnerability from the unsuspecting civilians and extract money from them in the process.

I faced this situation multiple times in recent few months, hence posting this for general public awareness.

I received call from unknown number, claiming to be court staff in some courts in Delhi. They state that someone has filed a case against me and ask me if I know about this. Naturally I say No. Next, I was asked to contact a lawyer for help.

First time, I tried to extract more information- like what is this case about, which court it is etc- but they won’t give any details, just suggest that we contact the specific lawyer whom they are naming.

At this point I grew suspicious-
-  No one initiates a court procedure without talking to opponent even once. Court cases can be lengthy and devastating, so every one goes to court only when other options are exhausted. If you're not involved in any business/criminal activity that could be even remotely illegal or unfair to another party, it is very unlikely  that anyone would initiate a court case against you
-   There is no reason why someone should file a case against me in Delhi, far away from where I am, as I have no personal/business interests in Delhi
- If a court case is registered, details are sent by post usually with instructions to appear in court on specific date.
-   A legitimate court staff shouldn’t have problem giving some more details like summary of the case etc

A little check on internet confirmed that this is fake call trying to extract money.

So I either started ignoring their calls, or would make some statements like “I am recording this conversation to give it to police” after which call would cease abruptly.

I asked Mr Dhruv CKV, who is a lawyer+RJ+Certified Tourist Guide to understand what is the authentic way a court case against me would be communicated. He told that there're two ways

- Court issues what is known as Summons to concerned parties, informing them on the case and seeking their response/presence.

- This is often communicated in person, mostly by a court staff

- Summons is also sent by registered post to your address

So essentially there is no need to fear a phone call. Wait for a formal communication, which will never come for fake calls like above.

Hence please be careful if you get similar calls. Ask for more details without divulging your personal information, try to apply some thought and validate if there’s any truth/sense. These people often get only a database of name and number from some agencies and try calling them one by one, hoping that at least some of them fall into trap. If you follow their instruction, you will be asked to make a deposit for court expenses/lawyer fees etc. They will extract as much money as possible till you suspect foul play and stop paying or till you go bankrupt.

You’ve been warned. Please share to help spread awareness. Thanks Dhruv for the legal inputs.