Online scams have become a prevalent threat, adopting various guises to lure individuals into parting with their resources. One such deceptive tactic involves impersonating well-known personalities to manipulate unsuspecting victims. Recently, a fraudulent attempt surfaced online, showcasing an impersonator posing as the renowned cricketer MS Dhoni in a bid to extract money.The scam unfolded through a screengrab circulating online, depicting a conversation where the scammer, masquerading as MS Dhoni, initiates contact with an individual on Instagram. In the fabricated message, the impostor claims to be Dhoni reaching out from a private account, stating, Hi, Im MS Dhoni, Im messaging you from a private account. I am in Ranchi outskirts and I have forgotten wallet.pic.twitter.com/UAGTDRy2lg— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) April 25, 2024Employing persuasive tactics, the scammer then requests the recipient to transfer ₹ 600via PhonePe, ostensibly to facilitate a bus ride back home. The message concludes with a promise to reimburse the amount upon reaching home, adding an air of urgency to the fraudulent appeal.To bolster the facade of authenticity, the scammer utilizes a handle resembling Dhonis official Instagram account, mahi77i2, complete with a display image featuring the Indian tri-colour. This deceptive mirroring extends to sharing a selfie purporting to be of Dhoni in the described location, further enhancing the illusion of legitimacy.However, discerning individuals noted several discrepancies, such as the handle variation from Dhonis genuine account, mahi7781, and subtle inconsistencies in the impersonated message. Such instances serve as stark reminders of the vigilance required in navigating the digital landscape, where scammers often exploit familiarity and trust to perpetrate their deceitful schemes.
