A new type of scam/fraud is reported widely whereby cyber criminals create duplicate fake Facebook accounts of individuals using the same profile name and picture. These cyber criminals collect the relevant public information like profile name, photos and other details from the victim’s legitimate profile and create a similar looking account on social media. Using these fake accounts cyber criminals start sending friend request to the friends of victims and ask for financial help citing some emergency. Those who are unaware of this foul play are trapped into this kind of fraud activity and send money to the cyber fraudsters.
Safety Measures:1) Individuals may lock their Facebook account so that cyber-criminals, who are not your Facebook’s friends, will not be able to steal your public information and create your duplicate Facebook account.
2) Always verify a Friend request received on Facebook.
3) Do not send money to your contact requesting money over Facebook messenger. Always check the authenticity of the message or call to verify before paying.
4) These cyber criminals mostly use Hindi or English, with wrong spelling and grammar, while communicating/messaging through Facebook. They will not respond in Meiteilon or local languages.
Manipur Police
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