Using fake social media accounts to defraud and extort money has become a common tactic for online fraudsters. After impersonating celebrities and high-ranking officials, among others, this scam has reached another level. Cybercriminals have created a fake account impersonating President Draupadi Murmu in an attempt to defraud people.
Recently, Facebook user Mantu Soni, a resident of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, received a friend request from an account that appeared to belong to the President, with his profile picture and other details.
The ‘President’ wrote a message to Mantu, “Jai Hind, how are you?”. After that, the scammer behind the profile said, “I rarely use Facebook, send me your WhatsApp number,” Manto said.
Man took out his number. A few hours later, a message arrived on Facebook Messenger saying, “We saved your number and sent you our WhatsApp code, which entered your WhatsApp. Please send us the code immediately; it’s a 6-digit code.”
At this point, he sensed something was wrong.
Mantu took to X and shared the details, tagging Rashtrapati Bhavan, Jharkhand Police, and others.
The Ranchi police took immediate action and asked for details of the Facebook post.
An investigation has been started on this issue.
SSP Ranchi, Chandan Sinha, told India Today that they are investigating the matter. “We have asked the agencies to look and process all the nitty-gritty details and nuances of the case,” he added.
An FIR in the case is yet to be filed.
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