Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik

Nashik, Sep 15: A fake WhatsApp Business account has been created using the name, designation and official photograph of Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad, prompting the district administration to warn citizens against responding to messages from the account.

According to the District Collector’s Office, unidentified persons have used Ayush Prasad’s name, his designation as District Collector and his official photograph to create the fraudulent WhatsApp Business account.

Messages are reportedly being sent from a foreign number, including a number from Thailand. The messages contain casual queries such as, “Hello… How are you doing… Where are you at the moment?” The administration has warned that such messages could create confusion among citizens and may potentially be used for financial fraud or other unlawful activities.

The district administration has clarified that the Collector never sends messages to citizens from foreign numbers in this manner. For any official work, the District Collector’s Office communicates only through authorised channels.

The administration has appealed to citizens across Nashik district not to respond to any message, call or WhatsApp communication received from the suspected foreign number. Citizens have been advised to avoid replying to such messages and, wherever possible, block the number.

People who receive any suspicious communication have been asked to immediately contact the District Collector’s Office or the nearest police station.

The administration has taken serious note of the incident and the process of filing a complaint with the concerned authorities to have the fake account shut down is reportedly underway.

The Collector’s Office has urged citizens to remain vigilant and protect themselves from such fraudulent communications. It has also advised people to rely only on the official website of the District Collector’s Office and official public notices for authentic information.

The incident highlights the growing risk of misuse of government officials’ identities in the digital space and the need for citizens to verify the authenticity of online communications before responding.