Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, J. Radhakrishnan, recently issued a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent Facebook profile created in his name. The impersonator used his photo and name to deceive followers, soliciting money under the false pretense of helping a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel. The 1992-batch IAS officer, took swift action to alert the public and urged caution to avoid falling victim to the scam. He also announced plans to notify the police and take steps to close the fake account. The officer emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant and refraining from engaging with such fraudulent profiles.
This incident is part of a broader trend of impersonation scams in India, with fraudsters frequently exploiting the identities of public figures. In 2020, Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team, became a victim when a fake account solicited donations for charitable causes.
Other prominent figures, such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, and Tamil Nadu leaders, including actor Vijay and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, have also issued warnings about similar fake profiles when news peddlers blatantly created fake accounts in their name seeking financial help/donation by making emotional appeals during Covid pandemic in 2020-21.
The IndiaHealthBuddy.com spoke with several experts to understand how to avoid falling victim to scammers and news peddlers who create fake accounts of celebrities. According to their advice, there are several precautions that individuals can take to protect themselves from fraud and misinformation. Based on their insights, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips to help you stay safe online:
Verify the Account
Look for Blue Verification Checkmarks: Most legitimate public figures, including celebrities, government officials, and organizations, have verified accounts with a blue checkmark on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This indicates the account has been confirmed as authentic by the platform.
Official Websites and Social Media: Always cross-check the celebrity’s official website or other social media channels. Often, celebrities will mention their verified social media accounts or have links directly to them.
Be Cautious of Suspicious Messages or Requests
Avoid Responding to Requests for Money: If you receive messages claiming to be from a celebrity asking for money, donations, or financial support, it is most likely a scam. Legitimate public figures rarely, if ever, make such requests through social media.
Don’t Click on Unknown Links: Scammers often send links that lead to fake websites or phishing pages designed to steal your personal information or money. Always double-check the URL before clicking.
Report Suspicious Accounts: If you encounter a fake account, report it to the platform. Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for impersonation and fake accounts.
Check for Red Flags
Unusual Behavior or Requests: Be cautious if the account is making strange requests, such as asking for private information or urgent help. Scammers often use tactics like claiming an emergency situation or asking for donations for a charity.
Unusual Profile Information: Fake accounts often have incomplete or inconsistent profile information. Check if the account is newly created or lacks posts and interactions.
Low-Quality Photos: Impersonators may use stolen or low-resolution images to mimic celebrities. Compare the photos with those from trusted, verified sources.
Use Official Social Media Handles
Follow Only Verified Accounts: Always follow official accounts on social media that are verified with a checkmark. Avoid following accounts that mimic popular celebrities or public figures.
Look for Consistency: Official accounts are consistent in their posts and style of communication. Fake accounts often have inconsistencies or changes in tone that feel off compared to how the celebrity typically communicates.
Stay Informed About Scams
Follow News Alerts and Warnings: Public figures and social media platforms often issue warnings about ongoing scams or impersonation cases. Stay informed about the latest scams by following reliable news sources or official accounts.
Check for Media Coverage: If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from a celebrity, check if it has been covered in the news or if the celebrity themselves has posted a warning about it.
Enable Privacy and Security Settings
Adjust Privacy Settings: Ensure that your social media accounts have the appropriate privacy settings. Limit who can message or follow you to avoid being targeted by scammers.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your accounts with two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (such as a text message or app notification) to log in.
Educate Yourself on Common Scams
Learn About Social Engineering: Scammers often use psychological manipulation to trick you into trusting them. Be aware of common tactics, such as urgency (e.g., “act now!”), creating emotional appeals (e.g., “help a sick relative”), or exploiting social events like charity drives.
Question Offers that Seem Too Good to Be True: If an account promises free gifts, exclusive access, or prizes from a celebrity, it is often a scam designed to gather personal information or money.
Consult Friends or Experts
Ask Someone You Trust: If you’re ever unsure about an account or message, consult a trusted friend or family member. They may help you spot signs of a scam.
Report to Cybersecurity Authorities: If you fall victim to a scam or feel you’ve been tricked by an impersonator, report it to your local cybersecurity authority or the platform’s help desk.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Review Activity: Regularly check your social media accounts and other platforms for unauthorized activity or interactions with suspicious accounts. If you see any unusual activity, act quickly to secure your accounts.
By following these precautions, you can reduce the risk of being tricked by impersonators and fake accounts, ensuring that you can enjoy your online interactions with greater safety.
In most cases, when such impersonations are reported, social media platforms and the relevant authorities—such as the police and cybercrime cells—take action to remove the fake accounts. However, these incidents highlight the growing issue of online scams, where fraudsters exploit the identities of public figures to deceive and manipulate their followers. This serves as a reminder of the need for greater vigilance, both from individuals and platforms, to protect people from such fraudulent activities, caution the experts.
