A Noida-based businessman was allegedly defrauded of Rs 1.5 lakh by a scammer posing as Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) chief Madhur Verma through a fake Facebook profile. The impersonator falsely claimed that Verma's friend, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer, was selling household furniture and electronic items. The businessman transferred money, believing the offer to be genuine.
The deception deepened when the accused demanded additional payment, citing clearance requirements from the CRPF. Suspicious, the victim contacted a mutual acquaintance of Verma to confirm the profile's authenticity, ultimately discovering it was fake.
Upon learning of the incident, Verma alerted the Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) cyber unit and issued a public warning on social media: 'Scam Alert… This fake profile is asking for money. Please report to your cyber crime police station.'
This marks the third instance of fraudulent profiles being created in Verma's name. 'Similar profiles were created twice earlier and I got them deleted after informing the IFSO,' Verma said. An FIR has been filed, and authorities are investigating.
Verma, a 2005-batch IPS officer, has served as Joint Commissioner of Police at the ACB since August 2022. His tenure has involved handling several high-profile corruption cases, including the recent dismantling of a fake pharmacy registration racket.
Police have confirmed that the 'CRPF friend' was a fictional character invented by the scammer to lure victims. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of online profiles, particularly those soliciting money.
Source: www.indianexpress.com