Bengaluru cops bust cyber racket using fake IAS, IPS profiles to dupe people
The investigation began after fraudsters created a fake Facebook account using the name and photograph of M Narayana, a senior cop, and sent friend requests to his acquaintances and other members of the public.
Bengaluru police have uncovered a cybercrime racket in which fraudsters posed as senior IAS and IPS officers on social media to dupe people. A juvenile from Rajasthan has been apprehended in connection with the case.
The investigation began after fraudsters created a fake Facebook account using the name and photograph of M Narayana, a senior cop, and sent friend requests to his acquaintances and other members of the public. Police suspect the accused used the officer's identity to gain the trust of potential targets before approaching them for money.
The police registered an FIR on May 16 following a complaint by Narayana. During the investigation, police found that more than 10 people from different parts of Karnataka had fallen prey to the fake profile.
JUVENILE FROM RAJASTHAN TRACED
The investigation eventually led police to Kotakurd village in Rajasthan. A juvenile linked to the racket was apprehended on August 24 after police served a notice to his parents.
During questioning, the juvenile admitted to creating multiple fake Facebook profiles using the names and photographs of senior IAS and IPS officers, police said. Investigators suspect he was assisted by others in setting up and operating the accounts.
The fake profiles were used to contact potential targets and solicit money on different pretexts. Police are now investigating the role of other people who may have been involved in creating the profiles and collecting money.
HOW THE FRAUD WORKED
One of the suspected fraud methods involved a fabricated story about a CRPF commandant who had been transferred. The survivors were told that the officer wanted to sell his furniture and other household belongings at heavily discounted prices.
After establishing contact and gaining their confidence, the accused persuaded them to make payments for the furniture. However, the promised goods were never delivered, leaving the targets with financial losses, police said.
Police recovered Rs 2 lakh in cash from the juvenile and suspect that the money could be linked to the proceeds of the alleged fraud. Investigators are also examining bank accounts and other channels that were allegedly used to receive money from the people.
PROBE INTO LARGER INTERSTATE NETWORK
Police suspect that the case could be linked to a larger interstate cybercrime network operating across Rajasthan, Delhi and other parts of the country.
Investigators are working to identify other members involved in creating fake social-media profiles, contacting the people and collecting money. They are also examining financial transactions and other digital evidence to determine the extent of the network.
The juvenile was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on August 25 and was subsequently sent to a remand home.
Police have advised people to independently verify social-media accounts claiming to belong to senior government or police officials. They have also urged the public to exercise caution before transferring money in response to requests received through such profiles.