Police flag fraud bid using impersonation

SHILLONG, April 17: The Meghalaya Police has flagged the misuse of people’s identities, especially eminent personalities, in a bid to dupe others.
In a statement issued here, the police pointed out that some individuals are gathering available information about a particular organisation or department and its employees from the internet such as their name, designation, pictures etc.
Explaining the procedure of the fraud bid, the police said the miscreants then impersonate as the superior official of any particular organisation/department on social media sites and other messenger apps, especially WhatsApp, to dupe his/her subordinates.
The fraudsters send emails/messages to selected subordinates on the pretext that he/she is attending an urgent meeting and is unable to make calls, then going on to ask a favour from them to purchase Amazon e-gift cards for him and send the same via WhatsApp or email, the statement said.
The police have requested the public not to fall prey to such emails or messages, and if one comes across such message, they should confirm/verify before making any payment/purchase and the matter be reported to the nearest Police Station or Cyber Crime Wing (CID).