Khargone, MP: In a worrying development, cybercriminals have been targeting Madhya Pradesh officials by sending WhatsApp messages impersonating Khargone District Collector Bhavya Mittal. The fraudulent messages, reportedly originating from a Vietnam-based number, demand money from unsuspecting recipients, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Fraudulent Messages on WhatsApp
Several district officials reported receiving WhatsApp messages that appeared to come from Collector Bhavya Mittal, with her photograph set as the display picture. The messages urged recipients to transfer money to a specified bank account, citing urgent payment needs during meetings.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the messages were being sent from a Vietnamese number, +84339410118, with the aim of defrauding officials by leveraging the Collector’s identity.
Collector Bhavya Mittal Acts Promptly
Collector Bhavya Mittal confirmed that more than half a dozen officials had reported receiving the messages. Acting quickly, she alerted Khargone Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma about the cyber fraud. She also advised all officials and citizens to remain vigilant, block suspicious numbers, and avoid responding to such fraudulent communications.
The official contact number of the Collector, +917587980900, has been shared publicly by the District Public Relations Department to prevent further misuse of her identity.
Police and Cyber Cell Investigation Underway
Khargone Cyber Cell In-Charge Deepak Talware stated that a formal complaint has been filed on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Investigations are ongoing, including tracing the bank account details used by the fraudsters.
Talware emphasized that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting high-ranking district officials and advised that anyone receiving suspicious messages claiming to be from authorities should first verify directly with the concerned person before taking any action.
Authorities Issue Advisory
The District Administration and Cyber Cell have issued an advisory urging people to:
- Not respond to messages or calls from unknown numbers claiming to be officials.
- Immediately block any suspicious numbers.
- Verify the authenticity of such messages through official channels.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud and the need for vigilance among government officials and citizens alike.
