Bengaluru, Apr 23 (PTI) The Greater Bengaluru Authority on Thursday urged officials and the public to remain alert regarding fraudulent attempts being carried out through WhatsApp by misusing the names, designations, and photographs of the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of City Corporations under it.
In the past few days, it has been observed that fraudsters are sending messages to officials through WhatsApp accounts displaying the profile pictures of the GBA Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of City Corporations, seeking financial assistance through various means, it said.
In this regard, complaints have been immediately lodged with Cyber Crime Police Stations and FIRs have been registered, the GBA said in a release.
Sharing details of the complaints filed by the Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of the city corporations, the GBA said, “It has been found that unknown individuals have sent messages in the name of the Chief Commissioner from an Indian mobile number and an international number.” Similarly, messages have been sent to officials in the name of Commissioners of the East, North, Central, and South City Corporations from certain international numbers, it further said sharing details.
“The GBA hereby informs all officials, staff of city corporations, and the general public that if any WhatsApp messages are received from unauthorised numbers, they should immediately report the matter to the nearest police station. Under no circumstances should anyone transfer money based on such messages. Such incidents are being treated seriously, and legal action is being taken against the unidentified individuals involved,” it added.
The GBA said, Officials and citizens are requested not to respond to calls or messages from unknown numbers and to immediately lodge complaints with the nearest police station.
“If any suspicious calls or messages are received via WhatsApp or any social media platform, the public is requested to inform the GBA Helpline Number 1533,” it added. PTI KSU ADB
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