Impersonation Scam Alert: Cyber Criminals Posing as Friends to Steal Money — Know How to Stay Safe

Cyber Criminals Now Posing as Friends: What Is the New ‘Impersonation Scam’?

A new wave of cyber fraud is spreading rapidly across the country, and this time the threat is coming disguised as your closest friend or family member. Cyber thieves are now stealing names, photos, and contact details of people you know and using them to trick you into sending money or sharing personal information. This dangerous trend, known as the Impersonation Scam, has prompted authorities and cyber experts to issue urgent warnings.

With just one moment of misplaced trust, victims can lose their hard-earned savings and sensitive data. Here’s a detailed look at how this scam works and how you can protect yourself.

What Is the Impersonation Scam?

In an impersonation scam, cybercriminals steal someone’s identity—often a person from your contact list—to get close to you. They use:

• Stolen photos

• Fake social media profiles

• Cloned phone numbers

• Hacked messaging accounts

The goal is simple: to make you believe that a known person is reaching out so you will trust their request without thinking twice. Once you respond, they start asking for money, OTPs, or personal information.

How Do These Scammers Operate?

The scam generally follows a fixed pattern:

1. Collecting Information

Fraudsters first gather details about your friend or family member from social media or public platforms. This includes their name, photos, mobile number, and posts.

2. Creating a Fake Identity

Using this information, they create a cloned account or contact you from a spoofed number. The profile looks so real that most people don’t suspect anything.

3. Contacting You as a ‘Friend’

The scammer then sends a message or calls you, pretending to be your friend. They may start with casual conversation to gain your trust.

4. Creating Fake Emergency Situations

To rush you into taking action, they claim to be in trouble—such as a medical emergency, travel issue, or sudden financial crisis.

5. Asking for Money or Sensitive Data

Once emotionally convinced, victims are asked to:

• Transfer money immediately

• Share OTPs

• Reveal bank details

• Send digital wallet passwords

And within minutes, the fraud takes place.

How to Protect Yourself from Impersonation Fraud

Staying alert is your strongest defense. Cyber experts suggest the following steps to stay safe:

✔ Always Verify the Identity

If someone claiming to be your friend asks for money or personal information, call them directly on their real number to confirm.

✔ Never Share OTPs or Banking Details

No friend, bank, or service provider will ever ask for these details. If someone does, consider it a red flag.

✔ Tighten Social Media Privacy Settings

Limit the visibility of your photos, contact details, and personal information. The less fraudsters know, the safer you are.

✔ Be Cautious of Sudden Requests

Emergency requests for money or help should always be double-checked before responding.

✔ Watch Out for Poor Grammar or Unusual Behaviour

If the tone of the conversation feels different, suspicious, or hurried—it’s likely a scam.

Where to Report Such Online Fraud?

If you ever experience or suspect impersonation fraud:

• Contact your nearest police station or cyber cell immediately.

• Report it on the National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in

• Call the Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930 (for quick assistance)

Prompt reporting increases the chances of stopping the transaction and tracking the criminal.

Final Word

The impersonation scam is a dangerous reminder that cyber criminals no longer rely solely on technical tricks—they now use emotional manipulation to gain your trust. Always stay alert, verify before acting, and never share sensitive information with anyone online. A little caution can save you from major financial and personal loss.