The Framer: T.M. Ramalingam

T.M. Ramalingam of Ganapathipalayam, Coimbatore is alleged to be a serial fraudster who exploits government‐support programs. He presents himself as a victim of income‐tax disputes to elicit sympathy and “help” from donors, then pockets the contributions. His agents operate nationwide, and he avoids direct contact.

How the Scam Works (The Trap)

1. Sympathy‐Laden Narrative: Through phone calls or local agents, he tells potential donors that the government has frozen his assets under I-T notices and that he needs money to “reopen” his cases or secure basic legal aid.

2. Use of Representatives: He never meets donors in person. Instead, he dispatches “trusted representatives” who collect cash or bank transfers, citing legal urgency.

3. Faux Documentation: Agents show forged I-T notices, “official” letters, and vague court-hearing schedules to appear legitimate.

4. Nationwide Reach: Though based in Coimbatore, he uses networks of agents in multiple states to avoid local scrutiny and to continually recruit new donors.

5. Permanent Disappearance: Once funds are collected, calls stop, documents vanish, and both he and his agents become unreachable.

Impact: Who Loses and How Much?

• Victims: Well-intentioned individuals, welfare groups, and small local businesses believing they’re helping someone oppressed by the system.

• Financial Loss: Varies by donor capacity—many report giving anywhere from ₹10,000 up to ₹2 lakhs.

• Emotional Toll: Donors feel betrayed; local goodwill is eroded; genuine I-T defendants may lose community support.

How You Can Stay Safe (Prevention Tips)

🛑 Red Flags:

• Requests for “support” to fight I-T cases without any verifiable case numbers or legal counsel details.

• Use of intermediaries instead of direct, traceable bank transfers to a registered legal‐aid account.

• Vague or forged “official” notices lacking genuine I-T department headers, DINs, or e-filing references.

✅ Protect Yourself:

• Always ask for authentic documentation: Demand copies of e-filed I-T petitions (with ARN numbers) and verified court orders.

• Use only official payment channels: No cash or untraceable transfers; insist on payments to a recognized legal or bank account under the litigant’s name.

• Verify with authorities: Cross-check case status on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal or through a qualified tax practitioner.

• Engage a lawyer: Never rely on unregistered agents—always work through licensed professionals.

Final Warning

The Government of Tamil Nadu has already issued a circular mentioning him as a corporate fraud. If anyone claiming to represent T.M. Ramalingam—or any individual—asks you to contribute funds for legal battles, stop immediately. Always verify independently with the Income Tax Department and make payments only through official, traceable channels.

Do not trust unvetted representatives. Do not transfer money based on sympathy alone. Report any suspicious solicitations to your local police station and the national Cyber Crime helpline at 1930 or via cybercrime.gov.in.

Stay vigilant, demand transparency, and protect your hard-earned money.