New Delhi (Agency): An officer from the Ministry of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has filed an FIR with the Delhi Police, alleging that fraudsters have been engaging in deceptive activities by making WhatsApp calls and sending messages to ministry office-bearers while impersonating Minister Shantanu Thakur.
The assistant private secretary to the minister, Anurag Bhabhra, stated that the fraudsters have been utilizing Thakur’s display picture on WhatsApp and introducing themselves as the minister of state for ports, shipping, and waterways. The fraudulent activities have persisted for the past few months, with ministry officials and workers receiving unsolicited WhatsApp calls and messages from unfamiliar numbers. Bhabhra highlighted that these callers identify themselves as the minister, and the calls appear to originate from international locations, indicated by the ISD numbers used.
In his complaint to the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) in New Delhi, Bhabhra urgently requested swift action from the Delhi Police to put an end to such fraudulent activities, as they are tarnishing the minister’s image. He also provided evidence, attaching a copy of a WhatsApp message sent by a cyber criminal to an officer stationed at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The message displayed the minister’s photo as the profile picture (DP) and originated from an international number with the country code +60. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Authorities classify this case as one of cheating by personation and fraudulent use of another person’s unique electronic identification. Similar instances of fraud have been reported, indicating a rising trend where cyber criminals adopt this modus operandi to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
Recently, the Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police registered an FIR against an unidentified individual for impersonating Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The complaint, filed by the Delhi Development Authority’s vigilance department, revealed that the fraudster contacted two officers through WhatsApp, using Saxena’s picture as the display picture (DP).
Another ongoing investigation involves a cyber criminal who created a fake Instagram account using the photos of a woman DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) and approached her office staff with malicious intentions. The vigilant staff promptly reported the matter to the DCP and the Cyber Cell.
The police speculate that these fraud calls are often made within the country using pre-activated international SIM cards, which can be acquired by fraudsters. Such SIM cards enable them to deceive people with the intent to defraud.
Law enforcement authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness and vigilance in order to avoid falling prey to these fraudulent calls. It is essential for individuals to exercise caution and be watchful when receiving unexpected calls or messages, especially when the caller claims to be a person of authority or influence.
