In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, cybercriminals have once again targeted public officials to perpetrate online fraud, this time by creating a fake social media profile in the name of Kshitij Singhal, the Municipal Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation. The incident came to light after the impostor allegedly approached the commissioner’s relatives on social platforms and demanded ₹50,000, prompting a police investigation.
According to local police, the fraud attempt involved a cloned profile that appeared to be of the commissioner, through which the scammer sought money from unsuspecting contacts. The relative who received the message became suspicious and alerted the commissioner, who then filed a formal complaint with the Sanyogitaganj police station, triggering an official probe into the matter.
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How The Scam Was Detected
The fraud was not detected by automated monitoring or third-party alert but rather through awareness and suspicion by the recipient. The relative’s caution prevented any loss of funds, and once informed, Commissioner Singhal moved swiftly to lodge a police report against unknown cybercriminals. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the cybercrime and IT laws, and officers are tracking digital traces to identify the perpetrator or group responsible.
This incident highlights how cyber fraudsters often exploit public trust and high-profile identities to create convincing fake accounts that target both personal contacts and the wider public. Officials and authorities stress that no genuine government or administrative officer would request money through informal channels, especially on social media.
Pattern Of Identity-Based Scams In The Region
Indore has seen a surge in similar digital deception tactics in recent months. In the exam season, students and parents were targeted with fraudulent messages promising leaked exam papers, which turned out to be scams. Police had warned that such offers were fake and often accompanied by malware or requests for advance payments.
Experts say the use of fake profiles and impersonation of officials is a common strategy among cyber fraudsters because it adds an element of credibility and urgency, increasing the likelihood that victims might comply with requests for money or sensitive information. Law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to exercise caution, verify the identity of communicators and report suspicious solicitations promptly.
Ongoing Police Action And Public Advisory
The Sanyogitaganj police are analysing metadata, account creation details and IP logs associated with the fake profile to trace the perpetrators. Police officials have appealed to the public to avoid responding to unsolicited money requests via social media, even if they appear to come from familiar names or official-sounding identities.
Authorities also remind citizens that official communication from government agencies or officers will not involve direct money demands over social media platforms. Anyone receiving such requests should immediately report the interaction to the nearest police station or use dedicated cybercrime reporting channels.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
