Juvenile held by Bengaluru police for posing as IAS, IPS officer online to cheat many

A juvenile has been apprehended for allegedly cheating gullible people by creating fake Facebook accounts in the names of senior IAS and IPS officers and seeking money from victims on various pretexts.

The case came to light after a person from another State was allegedly cheated through a fake Facebook account created using the name and photograph of Electronics City sub-division DCP Narayan. The accused reportedly sent friend requests to acquaintances and members of the public before approaching them for money.

Following a complaint at Hebbagodi police station, police launched an investigation and traced the fraud network to Kotakurd village in Rajasthan. A juvenile allegedly involved in the racket was taken into custody after his parents were served notice on August 24.

During questioning, the juvenile reportedly told the police that he and his associates had created several fake Facebook accounts in the names of IAS and IPS officers. They allegedly used these accounts to gain the trust of victims and then demand money, citing various reasons. In some instances, the accused allegedly offered household and other items at unusually low prices and collected money from victims.

Police recovered ₹2 lakh in cash from the juvenile, suspected to be part of the proceeds of the fraud routed through mule bank accounts. Police said several people are suspected to be involved in the racket and efforts are under way to identify and apprehend the remaining accused.

The juvenile was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on August 25 and was subsequently sent to an observation home.

Police have advised the public to be cautious of social media accounts impersonating senior police and government officials. People have been urged to verify the identity of anyone seeking money through such accounts and immediately report suspicious requests to the police.