Cricket enthusiasts, beware: scammers are exploiting the popularity of former Indian captain MS Dhoni on messaging apps and social media platforms to deceive individuals into parting with their money.
In a recent incident, a scammer on Instagram impersonated MS Dhoni, claiming to be stranded in Ranchi without his wallet. Using the handle “mahi77i2” (contrary to Dhoni’s official handle, “mahi7781”), the scammer requested ₹600 to facilitate his return home. To lend credibility to the deception, the scammer even sent a selfie and employed the Chennai Super Kings slogan “Whistle Podu.”
The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 200,000 views on social media. Many users were captivated by the audacious and unsettling nature of the fraudulent scheme.
This impersonation tactic is a common occurrence in online scams. Scammers employ various convincing strategies, including similar usernames, profile pictures, and knowledge of their targets’ interests.
In the digital age, online scams are rampant, manifesting in diverse forms to dupe unsuspecting individuals. Should you encounter such a message, exercise caution. Refrain from sending money to unfamiliar individuals and always verify account details before engaging further.
