Cybercriminals have recently targeted district collectors in four districts of Rajasthan. Reports indicate that fake WhatsApp profiles impersonating collectors from Dausa, Khairthal, Karauli, and Sawai Madhopur have been created.

According to FIRs filed over the weekend, these fraudsters used the names and photos of the collectors to send misleading messages. The fake profiles contacted subordinate officers and family members, checking on their well-being and, in some cases, demanding money.

The first incident was reported in Dausa. A fake WhatsApp account was created in the name of district collector Devendra Kumar. The fraudsters used an international number, displaying Kumar's photo as the profile picture. Several subordinate officers, including tehsildars from Lalsot and Baswa, received messages such as "How are you doing?" Kumar was alerted when officers sent him screenshots of the fake profile and reported the matter to the cybercrime police.

In Khairthal, district collector Kishore Kumar was also impersonated. Fake messages were sent to multiple officials using his photo as the display picture. Upon discovering the fraud, Kishore lodged a complaint. The mobile number used for this scam was traced back to Uzbekistan.

The same method was used to create a fake WhatsApp profile of district collector Shubham Chaudhary in Sawai Madhopur. Additionally, Karauli district collector Neelabh Saxena became a victim, with his profile used to send messages and request sensitive information and money. Police confirmed that the phone numbers linked to the fake profiles in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli were also traced to Uzbekistan.

Source: Times of India