The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Goa): In a recent spate of cyber crimes, two prominent government officials in Goa have become the victims of identity theft. The Chief Electoral Officer, Ramesh Verma, and the state Legislature Secretary, Namrata Ulman, reported that cyber fraudsters created fake WhatsApp accounts using their identities to request money from their contacts.
Both officials have lodged complaints with the Goa Police. Verma’s complaint was submitted to the cyber crime wing on Tuesday, while Ulman reported her case on Sunday. According to the police, the fraudsters used photographs of Verma and Ulman as profile pictures on the fake accounts and impersonated them while communicating with their contacts.
A senior police officer detailed that the scam involved sending messages under the guise of the officials, asking for financial assistance. The methodology was consistent in both instances, pointing to a potentially coordinated effort.
As a response, the police have initiated two separate cases under the Information Technology Act against the unidentified culprits. The investigation is aimed at tracing the origin of these fraudulent accounts and preventing further misuse of the officials’ identities.