Facebook Faces a FIR from UP Police for Posing as an IPS Officer with a False ID

In order to make friends and falsely solicit money, a phony Facebook profile was created that looked like a top police official in Balrampur. In accordance with certain provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the cyber police have filed a formal complaint.

Cyber News Feb 25, 2025 0 22 Add to Reading List

Facebook Faces a FIR from UP Police for Posing as an IPS Officer with a False ID

Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh: An unnamed person has been charged by the Balrampur Cyber Crime Police Station for fabricating a Facebook account in the name of a police official and using it to mislead the public. The lawsuit, which was submitted on February 22, 2025, was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2008, which address online fraud and identity theft, as well as Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

How the Deception Was Discovered

Authorities were notified on February 20, 2025, that a phony Facebook account registered under the name "Vikas Kumar" was utilizing the Superintendent of Police (SP) Balrampur's official photo as its profile image. Claiming to be a senior police officer, the phony profile was allegedly seeking money under false pretenses and sending friend requests to other people.

Following an inquiry, cybercrime authorities verified that an unidentified fraudster, not the genuine Vikas Kumar, was in control of the account. Three cell numbers were linked to the phony account, according to additional technical analysis. Investigators suspect that victims were contacted using these numbers and tricked into thinking they were speaking with a real police officer.

The Cyber Police's Action

Officials from the Balrampur Cyber Crime Police Station repeatedly tried to report and delete the phony account after it was discovered. On February 20, 21, and 22, reports were sent to Facebook's grievance cell asking for the account to be deleted right away. However, the profile remained live in spite of several attempts.

Additionally, on February 21 at 11:16 PM and again on February 22 at 9:05 AM, the police reached out to Facebook's grievance officer, but the platform did not respond to their request for removal. Authorities believe that the nodal officer's inactivity contributed to the crime because Facebook allegedly failed to block the phony profile, allowing the scammer to continue their illegal actions.

Investigation Started, FIR Filed

Given the seriousness of the offense and the possible public impact, a formal formal complaint was filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Balrampur on February 22, 2025, at 5:05 PM. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Cyber Crime has been tasked with investigating the situation.

What Comes Next?
To find the perpetrator, authorities are currently tracking down the IP addresses and cell phone numbers connected to the phony Facebook account. The public has been warned by the police to exercise caution and decline friend requests from strangers, particularly those posing as police officers. The case emphasizes the need for more robust digital safety measures and more quick action from internet companies in resolving such complaints, as well as the growing threat of cyber fraud and social media impersonation.