Cyber Fraudster Targets Kerala Cops in WhatsApp Scam

A brazen cybercriminal has taken aim at Kerala’s law enforcement, impersonating Kollam’s District Police Chief Vishu Pratheep TK in a sophisticated WhatsApp scam. The fraudster, using a fake account with the chief’s photo, targeted police personnel in a bid to swindle Rs 40,000. The incident, reported on September 1, 2025, has sparked a high-priority investigation at Kollam Cyber Police Station, with authorities determined to unmask the culprit behind this audacious scheme.

Last week, multiple officers in Kollam Rural Police received messages from a suspicious WhatsApp number (+9779702927435), which displayed the district chief’s uniformed image as its profile picture. The fraudster initiated chats, claiming an urgent need for funds and requesting immediate bank transfers. However, the scam was thwarted by vigilant officers who, aware of similar frauds plaguing the state, promptly alerted their superiors. “No one fell for it, but it was a close call,” a senior police official noted.

The Kollam Cyber Police Station has registered a case under sections 318(4) (cheating) and 3(5) (common intention to commit crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using digital means) of the Information Technology Act. Early investigations point to a bank account in Songate, New Delhi, linked to the scam. Authorities are now tracing the account holder to uncover potential connections to a broader network of cybercrimes.

Also Read: CBI Busts Illegal SIM Card Racket in Assam

Kerala has seen a surge in such impersonation scams, with fraudsters posing as high-profile figures, including police officers, bureaucrats, and corporate leaders. In recent incidents, finance officers at two prominent Kerala-based companies were duped into transferring funds after receiving fraudulent requests from imposters posing as their managing directors. “These criminals are getting bolder, exploiting trust in authority figures,” a cybercrime investigator said.

The Social Media Monitoring Cell played a critical role in flagging the scam, enabling swift action. Police are urging the public and officials to verify suspicious requests and report them immediately. As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, Kerala Police are ramping up efforts to combat digital fraud, with plans to enhance cybersecurity training for officers and civilians alike.

Also Read: Khattar Urges Caution in Adopting AI