Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Sep 16: It has come to light that a fake account created on Facebook in the name of cop has been fleecing money from people.

A complaint in this connection is lodged with cyber crime police.

Bantwal rural police sub-inspector Prasanna was shocked to learn that someone had created a fake Facebook profile in his name and had demanded money from people.

The miscreant would send friend requests and contact people on Facebook Messenger. The person would then ask the victim to send money 'urgently' through instant money transfer apps such as PhonePe, promising to return the amount by evening. When the user asked for bank account, the miscreant would give the bank's name as 'RBL' saying that it was his friend who needed the money and his account was in such a bank.

Several users in fact fell pray to the fraud, as most assumed PSI Prasanna needed money. Each person who fell victim transferred amounts to the tune of Rs 8,000 - 12,000.

Alerting Facebook users about the fraud as soon as it came to light, PSI Prasanna in a post urged his contacts not to respond to any request for money in his name. "Friends, someone has opened a fake Facebook account in my name and is sending friend requests. Please do not accept, and do not fall victim to fraud. If you get any such message, do bring it to my attention," he said.

Prasanna has now managed to get his fake Facebook account closed.

Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed that a person from north India had opened the fake account. Further investigations are on.