Bengaluru: A juvenile from Rajasthan has been apprehended for allegedly creating a fake Facebook profile using the name and photograph of an IPS officer and using it to contact people and collect money on various pretexts, police said.
According to police, the accused used the fake account to send friend requests to the officer’s acquaintances and members of the public before asking them for money. During the investigation, ₹2 lakh in cash was recovered from him. Police suspect the money was linked to fraud carried out through fake bank accounts.
The case came to light after a complaint was registered at Hebbagodi police station regarding a fake Facebook account created using the name and photograph of the Deputy Commissioner of Police posted in Bengaluru’s Electronic City division. The account was allegedly used to approach people and subsequently seek money on different pretexts.
As the investigation progressed, police traced an alleged organised network operating from Kota Khurd village in Rajasthan. During questioning, the juvenile allegedly disclosed that he had committed the fraud with the help of several associates. Based on his statement, police suspect that the group created fake Facebook accounts using the names and photographs of several IAS and IPS officers across the country.
Fake identity used to build trust
Investigators found that the alleged fraudsters did not merely use the names of senior officers to solicit money. Through the fake profiles, victims were allegedly told that an acquaintance of the officer was a CRPF commandant who had been transferred and was therefore selling furniture and other household items at significantly lower prices.
According to police, victims were persuaded to make advance payments for the purported furniture and household goods. After receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to deliver the items or return the payments. The group is suspected of exploiting the credibility associated with senior government officials to make the claims appear genuine.
Police issued a notice to the juvenile’s parents on August 24 and took him into custody for questioning. His alleged disclosures subsequently helped investigators expand the probe. Police suspect that several other people may be involved in the network and efforts are underway to identify and trace them.
On August 25, the juvenile was sent to a rehabilitation centre in Devanahalli. Since the accused is a minor, further proceedings are being carried out under the applicable juvenile justice process.
Several officials allegedly impersonated
The investigation has indicated that the alleged fraud was not restricted to impersonating a single officer. During questioning, the juvenile allegedly admitted to creating fake Facebook accounts in the names of several IAS and IPS officers and using them to contact potential victims.
Investigators are now trying to establish how many such accounts were created, how many people were targeted and the total amount allegedly collected through the fraud. They are also examining the role of other members of the suspected network.
Cybercrime experts say using the photograph, designation and identity of a senior government official can make a fraudulent social media account appear credible. People may be more inclined to trust a message or friend request carrying the name and photograph of a senior officer, allowing fraudsters to exploit that perception of authority to seek money.
Police urge public to verify identity
Police have advised people to remain cautious about social media accounts created using the names and photographs of IAS, IPS and other government officials. Any request for money or a suspicious friend request should be independently verified before any action is taken.
People have also been advised not to purchase goods, make advance payments or share banking information merely because a request appears to come from a government official or a known person.
Police said anyone receiving a suspicious message seeking money from an account impersonating an official or acquaintance should immediately report it to the concerned police station. A name and photograph displayed on social media should not be treated as proof of identity, and independent verification remains one of the most effective ways to prevent such fraud.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
