As you can see, the recent social media posts from various Deputy Commissioners and other officials here in Jammu and Kashmir regarding their impersonation by unknown numbers are quite disturbing, reports told The Chenab Times. There is probably a big nexus behind it. As recently as various Jammu and Kashmir government officials have revealed about it, including Deputy Commissioner Doda Vikas Sharma, JKAS has issued an “attention note” in various WhatsApp groups.
The attention note reads, “Someone impersonating me with mobile number 8168795962 is using my photograph as DP and impersonating me on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. He is unauthorisedly doing this with some malafide intention. The public is requested through the medium of this message not to take the above number as mine and to report if any message from this number is sent on 01996233230.
Issued By DC Doda, Vikas Sharma JKAS
Regards Vikas Sharma (JKAS), Deputy Commissioner Doda
What is the Fake DP Scam?
Fake DP scam literally means fraud through impersonation. But current fraudsters are now using government officials’ DP (Display Picture) and swindling various people. As per reports reached The Chenab Times, the incidents were recently reported in Jammu and Kashmir.
A senior Jammu and Kashmir IAS officer has exposed a bogus WhatsApp Display Picture (DP) fraud that targets trusting citizens and aims to rob them.
How Do Fraudsters Perform This Fake DP Scam?
The Cyber Police are investigating the scam and this nexus can be busted at anytime, but before they catch the fraudsters, you must know about how this scam works:
- First they procure the photo of the government official from open sources on the internet like Google, etc.
- They create a WhatsApp account with a virtual number or on a fake sim card.
- After creating an account on WhatsApp, they upload the photo of a government officer as DP.
- Then they send messages to people demanding financial or administrative favours.
- They also ask people to transfer money or purchase online gift vouchers.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of the Fake DP Scam
The Cyber Police have also issued some precautionary measures which are as follows:
- Don’t reply to the messages received from unknown WhatsApp users.
- Don’t transfer money or purchase online gift vouchers.
- Don’t share banking details like credit card or debit card, OTP, CVV number, or any password on WhatsApp.
- Don’t install any remote access apps.
- Don’t click on any suspicious links.
- Secure your WhatsApp account by enabling two-factor authentication available in the WhatsApp settings.
Conclusion
The Fake DP Scam using government official DP is currently reported in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, so if you have read the article, it is your responsibility to at least share this article link with your friends, so that they can be saved from fraud.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times