Fake social media profiles of Chandigarh DSP used for fraud and harassment

Cybercriminals have created multiple fake social media accounts of Chandigarh DSP Lakshay Pandey, currently posted with the Road and Safety Wing.

These accounts are being used to send inappropriate messages to women and request money from the public using misleading narratives such as medical emergencies or gift-related excuses.

The impersonators also allegedly fabricated Aadhaar cards and police ID cards using Pandey’s name and photograph. Several individuals have been misled, with some accounts even displaying a blue verification tick, suspected to have been fraudulently obtained.

DSP Pandey lodged a formal complaint with the Cyber Cell police station, citing the reputational damage and public distress caused by these acts. To alert the public, Pandey posted a story from his official Instagram account, stating: “There are a lot of fake IDs running in my name on Instagram and Facebook… Legal action is being taken now… I request you all not to entertain such messages/calls or give any money or photograph.”

Police have urged the public to report suspicious profiles and avoid engaging with any unverified messages or calls.