Cyber Fraudsters Use Indore Municipal Commissioner's Identity for Malicious Activities

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Indore Cyber Fraud Attempt Highlights Ongoing Threat of Identity-Based Scams

A recent cyber fraud attempt in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has highlighted the ongoing threat of identity-based scams targeting public officials.

Scammer Creates Fake Social Media Profile

In this instance, a fake social media profile was created in the name of Kshitij Singhal, the Municipal Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation. The scammer used the profile to demand ₹50,000 from the commissioner’s relatives, who became suspicious and alerted the authorities.

Investigation Launched

The incident came to light when the relative received a message from the fake profile and reported it to the commissioner, who subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Sanyogitaganj police station. The police have launched an investigation into the matter and are analyzing metadata, account creation details, and IP logs associated with the fake profile to trace the perpetrators.

Part of a Larger Pattern of Digital Deception

This incident is part of a larger pattern of digital deception tactics seen in Indore in recent months. During the exam season, students and parents were targeted with fraudulent messages promising leaked exam papers, which turned out to be scams. Law enforcement agencies have warned that such offers are often accompanied by malware or requests for advance payments.

Experts Warn of Fake Profiles and Impersonation

Experts note that the use of fake profiles and impersonation of officials is a common strategy among cyber fraudsters, as it adds an element of credibility and urgency, increasing the likelihood that victims might comply with requests for money or sensitive information.

Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution, verify the identity of communicators, and report suspicious solicitations promptly.

Police Advisory

The police are advising the public to avoid responding to unsolicited money requests via social media, even if they appear to come from familiar names or official-sounding identities. Official communication from government agencies or officers will not involve direct money demands over social media platforms. Anyone receiving such requests should immediately report the interaction to the nearest police station or use dedicated cybercrime reporting channels.

Importance of Public Vigilance

In this case, the scam was detected due to the awareness and suspicion of the recipient, highlighting the importance of public vigilance in preventing cyber fraud. Officials stress that no genuine government or administrative officer would request money through informal channels, especially on social media.