PANAJI
After a series of scams targeting ministers and government officials, cyber scammers have shifted their focus to targeting journalists.
Several journalists in Goa have reported receiving WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers, deceptively using the names of their colleagues or former colleagues to seek money.
Some journalists have approached the police with complaints regarding these dubious messages, allegedly sent by cyber criminals impersonating their colleagues and seniors. The messages request monetary assistance under false pretexts, a modus operandi to convince them to transfer the amount.
In one complaint filed by Sandeep Kerkar, Editor-in-Chief of a local news channel, with Panaji police, he alleged that an unknown person or persons were impersonating him to defraud his contacts.
“Someone has been impersonating me and sending messages to my friends, acquaintances, and others, asking for money. These messages are being sent through WhatsApp, and the impersonator is using my name and identity to deceive people and extract money from them. I request you to take immediate action in the matter and investigate,” the complaint stated.
Kerkar also shared screenshots of the impersonator’s messages, which used his name but allegedly a different number. The impersonator sought Rs 50,000, claiming it was required urgently for a project.
“I am currently busy in a meeting with limited access. Let me know if the transaction can be processed on my behalf immediately so I can provide further account details. Prospects are waiting to receive it now. I will reimburse you by the end of the day,” it said.
In another instance, a senior journalist reported receiving a similar message from an impersonator claiming to be a former editor of a print media house. The message requested Rs 10,000.
“I wanted to make a transaction for an ongoing project, but it seems I’m having issues with my bank, and I have very limited access as I’m busy attending to an urgent meeting. I don’t know if you can possibly help me get the transaction done on my behalf. I will reimburse you before the end of the day,” it said.
Although the transaction was not initiated by the woman journalist, the growing number of such cases has raised concerns within the community.
Police have been urged to act swiftly as scammers are increasingly exploiting the names and designations of journalists for cybercriminal activities.
Panaji police said they are inquiring into the complaint by Kerkar, while the suspected numbers are on the tracking list.
