Port Blair: A sharp rise in WhatsApp impersonation scams targeting residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has prompted the Andaman & Nicobar Police to issue a public advisory, urging people to stay vigilant against fraudsters posing as senior government officials, elected representatives and other prominent personalities.
According to the police, cyber criminals are creating fake WhatsApp profiles using photographs and identities of high-ranking government officials and dignitaries to deceive unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters initiate conversations with government employees and private individuals, often inventing urgent situations before asking for money or requesting that expensive gifts or items be purchased online on their behalf.
The police have cautioned the public against trusting requests received from unknown WhatsApp numbers, even if the profile picture appears to belong to a senior official. Citizens have been advised to verify the identity of the caller through official channels before responding to any request involving money or online purchases.
Anyone encountering such fraudulent attempts has been urged to report the matter immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the Cyber Helpline on 1930.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police has also appealed to residents to follow its official social media platforms for regular cyber safety advisories and updates aimed at preventing online fraud.
