West Bengal News: A serious case of cyber fraud by misusing the name and picture of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come to light in West Bengal. Taking a strict stance on this, the state police has issued a warning to the common people to remain alert. Police say that people are being duped and money is being extorted from them through fake advertisements on social media.
How is the fraud happening?
According to West Bengal Police, some cyber criminals are running fake advertisements and videos on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. In these advertisements, attractive claims like instant loan, loan without CIBIL, loan scheme approved by the government and loan without any verification are being made by using the name and picture of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
By taking people into confidence, they are sent to fake app, website or WhatsApp number. After this they are asked for Aadhar card, PAN card, bank details, OTP and processing fee or advance amount. As soon as the money is received, the fraudsters break contact.
No connection with the government or the Chief Minister – Police
The state police has clarified that any such loan scheme has neither been announced nor approved by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or the West Bengal government. Use of the Chief Minister’s name and photograph in this manner is completely illegal and fraudulent. The police have termed all such advertisements as fake.
Police have advised people to adopt some important precautions.
- Do not trust any advertisement that claims to provide instant loan.
- Do not open unknown links or install any suspicious apps.
- Do not share information related to OTP, Aadhaar, PAN or bank with anyone.
- Use only authorized banks, NBFCs or government websites for loans.
Complain immediately if you are cheated
If any person becomes a victim of such fraud, then he should lodge a complaint on cyber crime helpline number 1930 without any delay. Other than this www.cybercrime.gov.in Complaint can also be made online on the website. Police have advised that while filing complaint, keep screenshots, links, phone numbers and transaction related information safe.
West Bengal Police has said that public cooperation is very important to stop cyber crime. Such frauds can be avoided only by being alert. Police have appealed that people should be alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
