A cyber fraud case has been registered after fraudsters allegedly impersonated senior civic officials in Bengaluru using fake WhatsApp accounts and profile photographs to contact government officers.
The latest complaint was filed by R. Ravikumar, Personal Assistant to Bengaluru East Municipal Commissioner D. S. Ramesh.
Commissioner’s photo misused
According to the complaint, an unidentified person allegedly used the commissioner’s photograph as a WhatsApp display image and posed as him while messaging other officials.
Police said the accused used an international number and sent messages to senior civic officers seeking contact and possible financial trust-building.
Officials targeted reportedly included Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Dr Pragya Ammanbala and Joint Commissioner Dr Dakshayini K.
Police register identity theft case
A case has been filed under Section 66(C) of the Information Technology Act, which deals with identity theft and misuse of digital identity.
Investigators are tracing the number used, message origin and possible links to organised cyber fraud networks.
Series of impersonation scams
Officials said similar incidents have recently surfaced involving fake accounts created in the names of senior officers from agencies such as the Bangalore Development Authority, Greater Bengaluru Authority and city police.
Authorities fear fraudsters may be using official identities to gain trust and cheat staff members or members of the public.
Public advisory issued
Citizens and officials have been urged to verify any request received through WhatsApp, especially those involving urgent transfers, personal favours or confidential information.
Police advised users not to respond to suspicious international numbers or share financial details.
Growing cyber threat
The incident underlines the increasing sophistication of digital impersonation scams targeting government systems and public trust.