17YO creates fake FB account in MP Santhosh Kumar Joginipally name, cheats people

Hyderabad: The Cyberabad cybercrime police arrested a 17-year-old from Uttar Pradesh for creating a fake Facebook account in the name of Santhosh Kumar Joginipally, an MP, and cheating people. He asked people for money claiming he needed it for his friend’s daughter’s medical treatment.

According to the complainant, he received a Facebook friend request from Santosh Kumar Joginipally which he accepted. When the impostor asked for Rs. 50,000, the complainant started inquiring about the profile and found that he was not Santosh Kumar Joginipally. He then filed a complaint and the fraudster was arrested on 28 August.

The police said the boy collected information of VIPs like profile details, photos, and mobile numbers through social media. He had hatched a plan to make easy money by impersonating MP Santhosh Kumar Joginipally.

The police have issued an advisory warning people not to believe in messages they receive on Facebook or Messenger from VIPs, VVIPs, and celebrities. Before transferring any money, verify with the concerned person through a phone call whether they are in need of money, the advisory said. Don't transfer money to unknown persons who ask for money for medical expenses for their child/aged parents, it added.