Bengaluru Police have uncovered a cyber fraud operation in which scammers allegedly created fake social media accounts in the names and photographs of senior IAS and IPS officers to gain the confidence of unsuspecting people and extract money from them.
A juvenile from Rajasthan has been apprehended in connection with the case, while police are probing the involvement of other individuals believed to be part of the network.
The case came to light after a fake Facebook account was created using the name and photograph of senior police officer M Narayana. The account was reportedly used to send friend requests to the officer’s acquaintances as well as other members of the public.
Police registered an FIR on May 16 following Narayana’s complaint. During the investigation, officers found that more than 10 people from different parts of Karnataka had allegedly been cheated through the fake profile.
Juvenile Traced to Rajasthan
The investigation into the digital trail eventually took police to Kotakurd village in Rajasthan, where a juvenile allegedly connected with the racket was traced.
Police apprehended him on August 24 after serving a notice to his parents. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to creating several Facebook accounts using the names and photographs of senior IAS and IPS officers.
Investigators believe the juvenile may not have been working alone and are examining whether other people helped create, operate and manage the fraudulent accounts.
The fake profiles were allegedly used to establish contact with potential victims before making requests for money on different pretexts.
Police recovered Rs 2 lakh in cash from the juvenile. Investigators are examining whether the amount was generated through the alleged fraud and are also checking bank accounts and other financial channels connected with the case.
Fake Officer Identity Used to Sell Furniture
One of the methods being investigated involved a fabricated story about a CRPF commandant who had been transferred.
According to police, victims were allegedly told that the officer was looking to sell furniture and other household items at prices significantly lower than their market value.
After establishing communication and gaining the victims’ confidence, the accused allegedly convinced them to transfer money towards the purchase. The promised furniture, however, was never delivered.
The incident highlights how fraudsters can use the identity of senior government and police officials to make online approaches appear genuine and persuade people to part with their money.
Police Probe Possible Interstate Network
Bengaluru Police suspect that the operation may be connected to a wider cybercrime network with links to Rajasthan, Delhi and other parts of the country.
Investigators are now working to identify people who may have been involved in creating fake accounts, approaching victims and handling the money received from them. Digital records, bank transactions and other electronic evidence are being examined to establish the network’s scale and identify additional suspects.
The juvenile was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on August 25 and was later sent to a remand home.
Police have urged people to be particularly cautious when contacted through social media accounts claiming to belong to senior government or police officials. They have advised users to independently verify the identity of such accounts and avoid transferring money solely on the basis of requests received through Facebook or other social media platforms.
