Udupi: District administration officials have warned the public about fake Facebook and WhatsApp accounts impersonating Udupi District Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K, which are being used to circulate messages seeking money. A formal complaint has been lodged at the Udupi Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station, and an investigation is currently underway to trace the perpetrators behind the fraud.
According to officials, the fake accounts have been actively sending messages to individuals, requesting financial assistance under various pretexts. Despite the registration of a police complaint, such fraudulent messages continue to circulate, prompting the district administration to issue a strong public advisory.
Fake profiles misuse name and image
Officials said that unknown persons have created fake profiles using the name and, in some cases, the photograph of Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K to lend credibility to their messages. These accounts reportedly contact people through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, seeking money for purported official or personal reasons.
The administration clarified that the deputy commissioner has no connection whatsoever with these messages and has not authorised anyone to seek funds on her behalf through social media or messaging platforms.
Authorities expressed concern that such impersonation could mislead unsuspecting citizens, particularly those unfamiliar with common online fraud tactics, and result in financial loss.
Complaint filed at CEN police station
Following reports of the fraudulent activity, a complaint was registered at the Udupi CEN police station. Police officials said the case has been taken up seriously, given the misuse of the identity of a senior government officer and the potential for large-scale fraud.
Investigators are examining the origin of the fake accounts, tracing IP addresses, analysing digital footprints and coordinating with social media platforms to block and remove the impersonating profiles. Police said relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) would be invoked against those found responsible.
A senior police officer said impersonation of public servants and cheating through electronic means are serious offences and carry stringent penalties under the law.
Public advised not to send money
The district administration has issued a clear advisory urging people not to send money to anyone claiming to be the deputy commissioner or representing her through social media or messaging apps. Officials emphasised that government officers do not seek funds through personal messages on platforms such as WhatsApp or Facebook.
People who receive such messages have been asked to verify information through official channels and immediately report the matter to the police. Citizens have also been advised to refrain from forwarding such messages, as doing so could unintentionally aid fraudulent activity.
Deputy commissioner urges vigilance
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cautious while using social media. She urged people to ignore such messages and not respond or engage with suspicious accounts seeking money.
In her message, the deputy commissioner stressed the importance of digital awareness and responsible online behaviour, particularly at a time when cyber fraud cases are on the rise across the country. She reiterated that any official communication from the district administration would only be made through verified and authorised channels.
Rising cases of online impersonation
Officials noted that cases of online impersonation, especially using the names of senior government officials, have been increasing in recent years. Fraudsters often exploit the trust associated with public offices to deceive people into transferring money quickly, sometimes citing emergencies or urgent official requirements.
Cybercrime experts said such frauds thrive on fear, urgency and misplaced trust. They advised citizens to pause, verify and cross-check before responding to any financial request received online, regardless of the sender’s claimed identity.
Steps to stay safe online
Police and district officials have shared a few precautionary measures for the public. These include checking the authenticity of social media profiles, being wary of unsolicited messages asking for money, enabling privacy and security settings on messaging apps, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Citizens are also encouraged to follow official social media handles of the district administration for verified updates and announcements, rather than relying on forwarded messages or unverified profiles.
Ongoing investigation
Police said efforts are ongoing to identify those behind the fake accounts and to prevent further misuse of the deputy commissioner’s identity. Social media companies have been alerted, and requests have been made for swift action to disable the fraudulent profiles.
The district administration reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against those found guilty of impersonation and cheating. Officials said such measures were necessary not only to protect citizens from financial fraud but also to safeguard the credibility of public institutions.
Call for public cooperation
Concluding the advisory, officials urged the public to cooperate with the authorities by reporting any similar instances immediately. They said collective vigilance and timely reporting would help curb cybercrime and protect others from falling victim to such scams.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety in both physical and digital spaces and appealed to citizens to remain alert and informed.