Cyber Criminals Pretend To Be Friends And Steal Money Using Dangerous Impersonation Scam Online
A new cyber fraud is spreading fast. Criminals copy identities of friends and relatives, gain trust, then steal money or sensitive details. Anyone can become a target within minutes.
Tech News: Impersonation scams are rising everywhere and people fall because they think a real friend is asking for help criminals steal someone’s name photo or number then contact you pretending emergency this scam works because trust replaces caution victims share money or passwords quickly thinking they are helping known people and by the time doubt comes accounts are already looted and damage is permanent
How Do Fraudsters Trick You
Scammers study your social media carefully they copy display photos write messages like your friend and talk exactly in same style they say urgent things like stuck in hospital or stranded somewhere then beg for instant money through UPI or ask OTP to unlock account in hurry people stop thinking and send details unfortunately the OTP goes to thieves and not to any real friend
Where Do They Get All Details
Your online posts reveal more than you think publicly visible friends list gives them easy targets they collect photos birthdays phone numbers comment history even voice notes sometimes they hack a social media account and message everyone from it since chats look genuine people trust without calling once and every shared detail becomes a weapon for criminals in minutes
How Can You Stay Safe
Verify before trusting even one rupee do not rely on messages call the real person on their known number ask a personal question that scammers cannot answer never share OTP password UPI PIN or bank details not even with closest friend keep privacy settings tight avoid clicking strange links disable auto save for sensitive data and check alerts from your bank regularly
What Should You Do If Cheated
If you sense fraud take action fast report immediately on cybercrime.gov.in or dial helpline 1930 complain to local police note screenshot of chats messages and transaction ID early reporting can freeze stolen money if done on time also warn other contacts so the scammer cannot fool more people user awareness is the strongest defense in this digital age
