Explainer: Cyber fraud Impersonate President Murmu on social media , Target Ranchi Resident

A fake account impersonating President Droupadi Murmu sent a friend request to a resident of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. The account, complete with an official-looking profile picture, sought to deceive the individual into falling for a scam. Such tactics rely on human vulnerability—curiosity, respect for authority, or the desire to help.

How Cybercriminals Target the Public

Cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to target unsuspecting individuals, with fake social media accounts becoming one of their most effective tools. By creating profiles that mimic celebrities, high-ranking officials, or even influential public figures, these criminals exploit the trust people associate with these identities.

These fake accounts often use real photos, official-sounding names, and seemingly credible details to appear authentic. Once the trust is established, the scammers manipulate victims through various means, such as requesting financial assistance, offering fraudulent schemes, or collecting sensitive personal information.

Cybercriminals have impersonated President

Cybercriminals have taken impersonation scams to a new level. After targeting celebrities and senior IAS and IPS officers, they have now created a fake account posing as President Droupadi Murmu to deceive people. Recently, Mantu Soni, an X user from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, received a friend request from an account that appeared to represent the President, complete with her profile picture and other details.

As per local media reports

A Facebook user named Mantu Soni, a resident of Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, recently encountered a scam involving a fake profile impersonating a prominent public figure. The account used the profile picture and details of the President of India, making it appear authentic. The fake account initiated contact with Mantu by sending a message that read, "Jai Hind, how are you?" Soon after, the scammer operating the account followed up with another message: "I use Facebook very rarely, send me your WhatsApp number." Believing it to be genuine, Mantu shared his number.

Later, Mantu received another message on Facebook Messenger, stating, "We have saved your number and sent you a WhatsApp code. It should have arrived on your WhatsApp. Please share the 6-digit code with us quickly."

This incident highlights the growing menace of online scams, where fraudsters use impersonation tactics to gain access to personal information and compromise accounts.

Later the user shared the screenshot with the text, महामहीम @rashtrapatibhvn जी आपके नाम और फोटो से बने फेसबुक प्रोफ़ाइल से साइबर ठगी का खेल चलाया जा रहा है. He also tag @JharkhandPolice @ranchipolice @DelhiPolice @Cyberdost in his post.

How to protect Yourself from this kind of fraud

Online scammers frequently create fake profiles to impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. Here’s how you can protect yourself from falling victim to such fraud:

Verify the Authenticity of Accounts

Look for verified badges (e.g., blue ticks) on platforms like Facebook or Twitter to confirm the account is genuine.

Check the account's activity, post history, and friend list to spot any inconsistencies.

Be Careful with Personal Information

Avoid sharing private details such as your phone number, address, or financial data on social media. Never share one-time passwords (OTPs) or verification codes sent to your phone with anyone.

Avoid Trusting Unverified Requests

Be skeptical of messages or friend requests from unfamiliar profiles, even if they look official or familiar. If someone asks for money or sensitive details, verify their identity independently before responding.

Strengthen Your Privacy Settings

Adjust your social media privacy settings to restrict who can see your personal information. Limit profile visibility to only trusted contacts or friends.

Report Fake Profiles

Use the platform’s reporting tools to flag suspicious accounts impersonating others.

Inform your friends and contacts about the fake account to prevent others from being targeted.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Enable 2FA on your accounts to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.

Stay Educated About Online Scams

Keep yourself updated on common cyber fraud tactics and phishing methods. Share safety tips with friends and family to help them avoid falling victim.

Seek Assistance When Necessary

If you encounter cyber fraud, report it to local law enforcement or a cybercrime helpline. Take immediate action to secure your accounts if they are compromised. By implementing these measures, you can minimize the risks of online fraud and maintain better control over your digital safety.