BENGALURU, 11 APRIL

 Unidentified cyber fraudsters have created a fake Facebook (FB) profile using the name and photo of City Police Commissioner B Dayananda in an apparent attempt to dupe the public and extort money.

The crooks used the senior IPS officer’s photograph to set up a fake account and began sending friend requests to individuals already connected to his verified account. Once accepted, the fraudsters reportedly messaged select recipients, asking for money.
The scam, while amateurish and ultimately unsuccessful, has raised eyebrows within law enforcement circles. "It’s one thing to impersonate celebrities or common citizens for fraud. But to misuse the name of the City’s top cop? That’s both gutsy and foolish," a senior police officer said.
Following several online complaints, the cybercrime officials spotted the fake account and quickly deactivated it.

City Police Commissioner Dayananda has routinely warned citizens to stay vigilant against cyber scams, yet this incident highlights how even law enforcement figures are not immune to online fraud. The audacity of using a police chief’s identity reflects the worsening trend of digital deception. "I request the netizens to keep their FB account locked and to be careful while accepting friend requests," Dayananda said.
State continues to top southern states in cybercrime, with over 52,000 cases reported in last four years.