#DigitalSecurity Archives - Akancha Srivastava Foundation

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post Copyright Strike Scams Are Trapping Creators! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Aadhaar Update Scams Are Using Fake UIDAI Links and Agents!

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:36:25 +0000

Aadhaar update scams are targeting citizens across India.

This scam is done by exploiting fear, urgency, and blind trust in government systems. The message is simple and alarming. “Your Aadhaar will be suspended.” “Biometrics expired.” “KYC incomplete.” “Update within 24 hours or services will stop.” The objective is to push immediate action without verification.

These scams reach victims through SMS, WhatsApp, emails, robocalls, and fake websites impersonating UIDAI. The links look official, use government language, and often copy real UIDAI layouts. Elderly citizens, rural users, students, and anyone dependent on Aadhaar-linked services are primary targets.

Once you click, the scam unfolds in predictable stages.

First, identity data harvesting. Fake portals ask for Aadhaar number, mobile number, OTP, date of birth, address, and sometimes biometric update consent. This data is captured and stored by criminals. Aadhaar-linked services are then misused or sold.

Second, financial redirection. Victims are asked to pay small “update fees” or are redirected to fake payment gateways. In some cases, Aadhaar-linked bank accounts are targeted after data collection.

Third, assisted fraud through fake agents. Scammers pose as UIDAI agents and offer “home Aadhaar update.” They collect documents, photos, and sometimes fingerprints using portable devices. These are later misused for identity fraud, SIM issuance, and bank account abuse.

This scam is dangerous because Aadhaar is a foundational identity. Once compromised, it affects banking, telecom, government benefits, and digital verification across platforms.

What people must do to avoid Aadhaar update scams is direct.

Aadhaar updates are done only through official UIDAI portals or authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendras.
UIDAI does not send update links on WhatsApp, SMS, or email asking for immediate action.
Never share Aadhaar number, OTP, or demographic details through links or calls.
Never allow home visits by unknown Aadhaar agents.
Always verify updates only through the official UIDAI website or centers.
If a message threatens suspension or deadline pressure, treat it as a scam and stop engagement.

If Aadhaar data is already shared or misused, act immediately.

Lock your Aadhaar biometric authentication through the official UIDAI portal.
Check Aadhaar authentication history for suspicious activity.
Secure your bank accounts linked to Aadhaar.
File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If money is lost, call 1930 immediately for financial fraud reporting.

📢 Spread awareness, SHARE this video to protect users from online harm.
🔹 Follow for expert cyber safety insights from the Akancha Srivastava Foundation. Together, we build a safer online world.
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👍 Like, share, and comment to spread awareness.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Aadhaar Update Scams Are Using Fake UIDAI Links and Agents! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Digital Arrest Is A Fraud!

Akancha Srivastava — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:58:03 +0000

Ever received a WhatsApp call claiming to be police?

An elderly NRI doctor couple in South Delhi was defrauded of nearly ₹14 crore in a “digital arrest” scam after fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials and psychologically coerced them to transfer massive sums of money.

The scam unfolded over more than two weeks. Fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and other agencies told the couple that their mobile number and Aadhaar were linked to illegal activity and money laundering, then threatened arrest and legal consequences if they did not cooperate.

Callers claimed to be conducting a legitimate investigation and kept the victims under continuous video calls, creating fear, urgency, and isolation. They pressured the couple to transfer large amounts via RTGS to multiple bank accounts for “verification,” repeatedly advising them not to contact family or law enforcement.

The fraud only came to light after the calls stopped, prompting the couple to approach police and file an FIR.

These so-called “digital arrest” scams work because they exploit a deep fear of authority, punishment, and legal consequences. Victims are convinced that silence and compliance will protect them, when in reality they are being manipulated.

What people must do to avoid becoming victims is specific and non-negotiable:

Never respond to calls, messages, or video calls claiming legal trouble from police or government agencies.
• Law enforcement does not initiate investigations, threats, or arrests through WhatsApp, email, or private calls.
• Do not share OTPs, bank credentials, or authorise any transfer because someone threatens arrest or legal action.
• Immediately end any communication that demands secrecy, urgency, or isolation from family.
• Independently verify by contacting theofficial police stationusing numbers from verified government websites; do not use numbers provided by the caller.
• Talk to family or trusted contacts before taking any action if you receive such calls. Isolation is exactly what scammers rely on.
• If you have been pressured into transferring money, report the incident without delay on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
https://cybercrime.gov.in

The only defence against these scams is verification and refusal to comply under fear. Real investigations are never conducted by WhatsApp video calls, and no authority asks for money to avoid arrest.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Digital Arrest Is A Fraud! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Being Love Bombed Online?

Akancha Srivastava — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:43:36 +0000

Romance fraud rarely starts with money.

It usually starts with attention, affection, daily messages, emotional support, compliments, future promises, and the feeling that someone finally understands you.

That is what makes it dangerous.

A person may meet someone through Instagram, Facebook, dating apps, matrimonial platforms, gaming communities, professional networks, or even WhatsApp groups. The conversation feels warm and personal. They may say the right things, remember small details, check on you every day, and create emotional closeness very quickly.

Then the pressure begins.

They may say they are stuck in an emergency. They may claim their bank account is blocked. They may ask for help with medical bills, travel, customs clearance, business trouble, family crisis, visa issues, or a sudden legal problem. Sometimes they do not ask for money immediately. They first build trust, isolate the victim emotionally, and make the relationship feel private.

This is emotional grooming.

The warning signs are clear. They avoid video calls. They rush emotional commitment. They ask you to keep the relationship secret. They create urgency. They make you feel guilty for asking questions. They send dramatic stories that cannot be verified. They ask for money, private photos, documents, passwords, OTPs, investments, crypto transfers, gift cards, or access to your accounts.

Please remember this clearly: love does not demand secrecy, money, panic payments, or proof through private pictures.

Do not send money to someone you have never met and properly verified. Do not share intimate photos, identity documents, financial details, passwords, OTPs, or private family information. Do not accept investment advice from someone who is emotionally involved with you online. Do not move financial conversations to private channels where there is no accountability.

If you feel trapped, preserve every message, profile link, phone number, bank detail, UPI ID, transaction record, photo, and call log. Do not delete evidence out of shame. Report the account, inform your bank immediately if money has been sent, and file a cybercrime complaint.

Victims must not be blamed. These scams work because they exploit loneliness, trust, hope, grief, and emotional vulnerability. The solution is awareness, verification, and early reporting.

Before you trust an online relationship, pause and ask one question: is this person building love, or building control?

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Being Love Bombed Online? appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Evidence Before You Report!

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:36:36 +0000

When something goes wrong online, most people panic first.

They delete chats, block accounts, remove posts, clear call logs, or erase payment messages because they feel scared, ashamed, angry, or overwhelmed.

That is the biggest mistake.

In any cybercrime case, evidence matters. Screenshots, links, phone numbers, usernames, payment receipts, emails, transaction IDs, call logs, chat history, profile URLs, QR codes, UPI IDs, bank details, and timestamps can help establish what happened, who contacted you, how the fraud happened, and where the money or abuse originated.

Do not delete anything in panic.

If someone has cheated you, impersonated you, misused your photo, pressured your child, sent abusive messages, shared a fake payment link, or trapped you through a scam, preserve the evidence immediately.

Take screenshots clearly. Capture the full screen, not only one message. Save the profile link. Save the phone number. Save the username. Save the date and time. Save the payment receipt. Save bank transaction details. Save email headers where possible. Record the platform name. Keep the original chat thread intact.

For financial fraud, time is critical. Call 1930 immediately and report on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The official portal lists 1930 as India’s Cyber Crime Helpline. Quick reporting improves the chance of blocking or tracing fraudulent transactions.

For children’s safety cases, parents must first protect the child emotionally. Do not shout, blame, shame, or force the child to delete everything. Preserve evidence, block after saving proof, report the account on the platform, inform the school where relevant, and file a cybercrime complaint where needed.

For social media cases, save the fake profile link, screenshots of posts, messages, comments, bio, display picture, follower activity, and any account that appears connected. Ask trusted people to report the fake account too, but preserve evidence first.

For payment fraud, call 1930 immediately, contact your bank, request transaction blocking or freezing, save the complaint number, and file the full report on cybercrime.gov.in. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is meant for cybercrime complaints, including crimes against women and children.

Evidence is not only for police. It also helps banks, schools, platforms, employers, and families understand the seriousness of the issue.

When you preserve evidence properly, you give banks, platforms, schools, and law enforcement the material needed to act faster and more effectively.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Evidence Before You Report! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Children And Sharing Private Photo Risks!

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:20:02 +0000

Private photo misuse often begins with trust.

Someone asks for a picture, a video, a personal moment, or a private conversation screenshot. At that time, it may feel safe because the person sounds close, loving, familiar, or harmless.

That is where the risk begins.

A private photo shared in confidence can be saved, forwarded, edited, circulated, or used to create pressure later. Sometimes the person misusing it is an online stranger. Sometimes it is an ex-partner, classmate, friend, colleague, or someone pretending to be emotionally close.

The pressure can start slowly. They may say, “Send one more picture.” “Talk to me or I will show this to others.” “Do not block me.” “Do not tell anyone.” “I will ruin your image.” These lines are meant to create fear, shame, and silence.

Please remember this clearly: the person misusing your private photo is responsible for the abuse. Shame belongs to the offender, not the victim.

Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable because they may panic, hide the issue from parents, delete evidence, or keep obeying demands out of fear. Parents must create enough trust at home so children can report such situations without fear of punishment.

Do not send private photos to strangers, online friends, gaming contacts, romantic interests, fake profiles, or anyone applying emotional pressure. Do not share personal pictures in exchange for love, attention, validation, gifts, followers, or promises.

If someone is threatening you with a private photo, do not panic. Do not send more photos. Do not pay money. Do not delete chats. Do not keep negotiating.

Take screenshots. Save profile links, phone numbers, usernames, messages, payment demands, email IDs, and call logs. Block only after preserving evidence. Report the account on the platform. Inform a trusted person immediately. File a cybercrime complaint through the official reporting channel.

Important: Even if a child or teenager shared a private photo with consent, that consent was only for the person who received it. It does not give anyone permission to save, forward, upload, circulate, edit, threaten, or electronically distribute that image. In India, publishing or transmitting private images without consent can attract legal action .

Key legal provisions include:

Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (Violation of Privacy):Capturing, publishing, or transmitting a person’s private images without their consent is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹2 lakh.
Section 67 & 67A of the IT Act (Obscene/Explicit Content):Publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically can lead to 3–5 years in jail and fines ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the nature of the content.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023(BNS) & IPC: Sharing intimate content without permission can invoke charges related to voyeurism and criminal harassment, with punishments including jail time. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Points to Note:

Consent is Key:Even if a photo was originally shared willingly with a person, distributing it further without consent is illegal.
Definition of Private:This applies to any image where the person has an expectation of privacy, including private moments, chats, or images shared in trust.

For parents, the response matters. Do not shout, blame, or shame the child. First protect the child, preserve evidence, and report. A scared child needs safety before discipline.

Private images can create serious emotional distress, but silence gives abusers more control. Early reporting protects the victim and stops further misuse.

Before sharing any personal picture online, ask one question: can this harm me if it is saved, forwarded, or used against me later?

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Children And Sharing Private Photo Risks! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Fake School Fee Link?

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:00:56 +0000

Parents are used to receiving school updates on WhatsApp, email, SMS, portals, and parent groups.

Fee reminders, circulars, transport notices, event payments, exam charges, book payments, uniform payments, and activity fees often come digitally now.

This convenience is exactly what scammers misuse.

A fake school fee message may look normal at first. It may carry the school name, logo, payment deadline, child’s class, fee amount, or a link that looks official. It may create urgency by saying “pay today”, “last date”, “late fee applies”, “seat may be blocked”, “transport service will stop”, or “exam form will not be processed.”

Many parents click because they are busy, worried, or trying to avoid delay. One wrong link can lead to payment fraud, credential theft, card misuse, UPI redirection, or account compromise.

Please remember this clearly: a school payment link received on WhatsApp or SMS must never be trusted automatically.

Parents must verify every payment request through the official school app, official website, school fee portal, or known school office number. Do not pay through random links shared in groups. Do not scan QR codes sent by unknown numbers. Do not enter card details, UPI PIN, OTP, net banking password, or parent portal credentials on unfamiliar pages.

Scammers may also impersonate school staff, class teachers, transport coordinators, accounts departments, PTA members, or other parents. They may create fake urgency around admissions, pending dues, transport fees, exam registration, school trips, or activity payments.

Before making any school-related payment, check the sender’s number, email domain, spelling, payment gateway, URL, and official fee record. Call the school office directly using the number saved from official records. Do not call numbers mentioned inside suspicious messages.

Parents should also speak to children. Children must not forward fee links, payment requests, QR codes, class group messages, or school notices without checking with parents. Older children using phones must understand that school-related messages can also be used for fraud.

If money has been paid through a fake link, immediately call 1930, contact your bank, freeze the transaction where possible, preserve screenshots, save the sender number, link, payment receipt, UPI ID, bank details, and file a cybercrime complaint.

A school message may look familiar, but familiarity is not verification. Before paying, pause and confirm through official school channels.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Fake School Fee Link? appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Why Smart People Still Fall For Scams!

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:51:48 +0000

People do not fall for scams because they are foolish.https://youtu.be/8Rh96cUXdVM

People fall for scams because scammers know exactly how to trigger fear, urgency, trust, greed, loneliness, authority, and confusion. Most scams succeed through social engineering, where the criminal manipulates human emotion before stealing money or data.

This is psychological manipulation, not just a technical crime.

Most scams work by forcing the brain into fast reaction mode.
The victim is pushed to act before thinking.
That pressure breaks normal judgment.

This is how scammers do it:

They create urgency.
They say your bank account will be blocked, your parcel is stuck, your KYC has failed, your tax is pending, or a loved one is in trouble.

They misuse authority.
They pretend to be from the police, bank, courier company, government office, or customer care.

They build false trust.
They use logos, fake documents, scripted language, and professional tone to look legitimate.

They trigger greed.
They offer easy profit, quick refunds, prize money, discount links, investment gains, or job offers.

They exploit emotion.
Fear, panic, hope, guilt, and excitement can shut down rational thinking within seconds.

They isolate the victim.
They keep saying do not disconnect, do not tell anyone, act now, share OTP, click immediately, or transfer before the deadline.

That is why even educated, experienced, and digitally active people get trapped.
Scams do not target intelligence first.
They target human emotion first.

The effect is bigger than money loss.
Victims suffer panic, shame, self-doubt, emotional breakdown, and loss of trust.
Many stay silent because they feel embarrassed.
That silence protects scammers.

What the public must do:

Pause when any message creates urgency.
Verify independently through official numbers and official websites.
Never trust the caller just because they sound confident.
Never share OTP, PIN, passwords, or screen access.
Never click links in panic.
Discuss suspicious communication with a family member or colleague before acting.
Teach children, parents, and staff that emotional pressure is a scam tool.

Cyber safety is not only about devices.
It is about understanding human behaviour.
The day people learn how manipulation works, they become much harder to fool.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Why Smart People Still Fall For Scams! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Parents overshare, children pay the price!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:43:14 +0000

Many parents post about their children with love, pride, and innocence.

A school photo, birthday post, dance video, location check-in, uniform picture, hospital update, travel plan, daily routine, or emotional family moment may feel harmless in the moment. Online, it is not always harmless. It can become a data point.

This is where risk begins.

Children today are growing up with a digital identity being built for them before they are old enough to understand privacy, consent, reputation, or online danger. Every public post can reveal details that strangers do not need to know. A child’s name, face, age, school, routine, hobbies, location, family pattern, emotional vulnerability, or daily environment can all be pieced together over time.

Oversharing gives outsiders access to information they have not earned. That information can be misused for stalking, impersonation, grooming, bullying, fake familiarity, social engineering, identity misuse, and long-term digital profiling. What looks like a sweet family post to a parent can look like useful intelligence to the wrong person.

This is not about asking parents to stop loving their children publicly. It is about asking them to understand that digital exposure has consequences.

A child in school uniform reveals institution details.
A birthday post reveals age.
A vacation update reveals location and absence from home.
A daily routine post reveals pattern.
A video from inside the house reveals surroundings.
A proud achievement post may reveal full name, school badge, or personal identifiers.
Taken together, these details create a map of the child’s life.

The danger is not only immediate. It is also long-term.

Children may grow up and feel violated by the digital footprint created for them without consent. Posts made in childhood can affect dignity, emotional safety, peer relationships, and future reputation. Once personal content is online, control is never absolute. Even deleted content may have already been saved, shared, screenshotted, copied, or archived by others.

Parents must understand one clear truth. Protection today includes digital protection.

Before posting anything about a child, ask:
Does this reveal identity, school, location, routine, or vulnerability?
Would I be comfortable if a stranger saved this?
Would my child be comfortable with this later?
Is this post for memory, or for public attention?
Does this protect the child, or expose the child?

Responsible parenting now includes responsible posting.

Keep accounts private where possible.
Avoid showing school names, uniforms, ID cards, addresses, travel plans, and routine patterns.
Do not post children in distress, illness, punishment, or emotionally vulnerable moments.
Do not share content that can embarrass them later.
Teach children that privacy matters, and model that behaviour yourself.

A child’s safety is more important than a post.
A child’s dignity is more important than online engagement.
A child’s digital future should not be built carelessly by adults in the present.

Oversharing is not always done with bad intent.
The damage still happens when caution is missing.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Parents overshare, children pay the price! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

That WhatsApp Message Is A Lie!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:17 +0000

Wait before you respond to that WhatsaApp message!

WhatsApp impersonation frauds using display picture and name cloning are among the fastest-growing cybercrime tactics in India. These scams succeed because they exploit familiarity, trust, and emotional urgency rather than technical hacking. (Social engineering)

Criminals are not breaking into WhatsApp accounts. They are copying identities. The scam works because the message looks like it is coming from someone the victim already knows.

This video explains exactly how WhatsApp cloning frauds operate, why victims transfer money within minutes, and how criminals exploit social and family trust.

HOW WHATSAPP IMPERSONATION FRAUD WORKS

Fraudsters first collect publicly available information. This includes profile photos, names, family relationships, and communication patterns from WhatsApp display pictures, social media profiles, and group chats.

Using this information, the criminal creates a new WhatsApp account with a different phone number. They copy the victim’s contact’s name and profile picture exactly. To the receiver, the chat appears authentic at first glance.

The criminal then sends an urgent message such as
“I have changed my number.”
“I am in a meeting, need help urgently.”
“My UPI is not working, can you transfer money?”

The message is designed to prevent verification. Victims are told not to call and to act quickly.

WHY PEOPLE FALL FOR THIS SCAM

The scam relies on trust, not technology.
The profile picture matches.
The name matches.
The tone sounds familiar.

Victims assume authenticity because the message appears in a private chat, not a public platform. This false sense of security leads to immediate payment without cross-checking.

Money is usually requested through UPI or bank transfer. Once sent, it is moved instantly through mule accounts.

COMMON TARGETS

Family members
Senior citizens
Office colleagues
Business owners
Domestic help employers

This scam spreads rapidly through family WhatsApp groups and workplace networks.

WHY THIS IS NOT A WHATSAPP HACK

No account takeover occurs.
No OTP is stolen.
No device is compromised.

This is identity impersonation using social engineering. That is why two-step verification alone does not stop it if behaviour is not corrected.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE SUCH A MESSAGE

Do not transfer money based on a text message.
Always verify by calling the person on their old number.
Ask a personal question only the real person can answer.

If money is sent, report immediately on
https://cybercrime.gov.in

Delay reduces recovery chances.

WHY REPORTING IS CRITICAL

Every unreported case allows criminals to reuse the same profile image, name, and script to target dozens of people. Reporting helps freeze accounts and trace transaction chains.

Silence enables scale.

📢 Spread awareness—SHARE this video to protect others from WhatsApp impersonation frauds.
🔹 Follow for expert cyber safety insights from the Akancha Srivastava Foundation. Together, we build a safer online world.

🔔Subscribe for more cyber safety insights!
👍 Like, share & comment to spread awareness!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn: