Tripura Police asked citizens especially those who use Whatsapp to remain alert over attempts of Whatsapp fraud targeting senior government officers and prominent personalities.
“Multiple instances have come to the notice of Tripura Police in which fraudsters are creating fake Whatsapp profile using dubious number and actual photograph of senior officers/ prominent personalities available in internet/ Facebook,” a press release from Tripura Police said.
The Tripura Police also narated the way the fraudsters are attempting the fraud by using Whatsapp.
“The fraudsters are sending Whatsapp messages mentioning some emergency and asking money to be paid by Amazon gift cards, vouchers, coupons etc. It is a trick used by fraudsters to siphon off your hard earned money. Tripura police is investigating the cases come to the notice,” the press release said.
While alerting the people over the issue, the Tripura Police asked the people not to fall prey to this type of fraud by transferring money in any such manner.
Only recently Director of Education Chandni Chandran was also made victim of such whatsapp fraudsters who used her account to ask for Amazon gift card . The fraudsters used the language , dictions and style of the senior IAS officer which would at first glance look genuine. Chandran later tweeted : “Someone is using my photo to send messages asking for Amazon Gift Cards. THIS IS A SCAM. Please don’t fall for it. Report the number to WhatsApp as a scam”.
Similar way several others were also made victims of the fraud. It was after the IAS officer lodged complaint that the Police came out with public announcement.
The matter is viewed as extremely serious as nowadays many an important work and even government instructions, orders are carried by Whatsapp.
(Illustrationn from open source internet)
