Cyber Frauds Open Fake WhatsApp Account Of IAS Officer For Extortion In Odisha’s Ganjam

Berhampur: In order to take advantage of the high position held by an IAS officer, cyber criminals have attempted to extort money from the people by opening a fake WhatsApp account in his name in Berhampur city of Odisha’s Ganjam district.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said the unidentified cyber criminals have created a fake Whatsapp account in the name of J Sonal, Commissioner, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and sent messages to people demanding money and gifts. A case in this regard has been filed at Cyber & Economic Police Station in Berhampur, he added.

He further said WhatsApp messages have been sent from mobile phone number 8440864565. A picture of the BeMC Commissioner has also been used as the display picture (DP) of the WhatsApp account. The accused demanded money in the form of an Amazon gift card.

The Commissioner has alerted the people not to fall prey to fraudsters and requested them not to send money if they get any WhatsApp message with his picture.

Police have also asked the public not to respond to any message or call from this number. “If you come across any such incident of fraud or impersonation, report it to the nearest police station,” police said.

Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station at Berhampur has registered case No. 04 Dtd. 27/01/2023 under Sections 419/ 465/469 IPC r/w Sec 66(C) / 66(D) of IT Act 2000 and launched an investigation.