Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have issued a high alert following a sophisticated case of digital impersonation and fraud. Cyber criminals have targeted the district of Auraiya by creating a fake WhatsApp account posing as the District Magistrate.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
The scam came to light after District Magistrate Indramani Tripathi himself raised an alarm. The fraudsters meticulously crafted a deceptive WhatsApp profile using an official photograph of the DM as its display picture. To add a layer of complexity and avoid easy detection, the account was registered using a Vietnam-based mobile number: 84588169187.
Posing as the senior administrative officer, the scammers likely intended to contact district residents, government officials, and employees to make fraudulent demands for money or sensitive information. This method preys on the trust and authority associated with the office of the DM.
Official Advisory and Police Action
Acting swiftly, DM Indramani Tripathi issued a clear advisory to all residents of Auraiya district. He explicitly warned the public about the fraudulent account and provided specific instructions on how to respond.
The DM stated that if anyone receives a call or message making any kind of demand from the number 84588169187, they should immediately inform the police cyber-crime branch. He emphasized not to engage with the fraudsters or comply with any requests.
Proactive steps have already been taken at the administrative level. The District Magistrate has formally informed the Superintendent of Police (SP) about the incident and has directed law enforcement to take necessary action in the case. This coordination aims to track down the perpetrators and prevent any financial losses to citizens.
A Growing Threat of Digital Impersonation
This incident in Kanpur zone underscores a rampant and evolving threat in the digital age. Scammers are increasingly using the identities of trusted government figures and officials to lend credibility to their schemes. The use of international numbers further complicates tracking efforts.
Cybersecurity experts advise the public to exercise extreme caution. They recommend verifying the identity of anyone making unusual requests, even if they appear to be from a known authority, through an independent, official channel. Never share personal details, bank information, or make payments based on unsolicited calls or messages.
The police urge citizens to report such attempts immediately, as timely information can help crack down on these cyber fraud networks operating across borders.
