In a recent social media post, Dr. Sandeep Mittal, the Additional Director General of Police in the Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu, raised concerns about verified handles with only 10 to 15 followers promoting social media posts that resemble news articles about singer Shreya Ghoshal. These posts are designed to deceive unsuspecting netizens into falling for cyber scams, as Mittal pointed out.
Sharing two screenshots that mimicked stories from The Indian Express, Mittal highlighted the issue by stating, “Verified @X Handles, having 10 to 15 followers, promoting Shreya Ghoshal Ads are scam traps to lure the public into cyber scams. Be alert, be safe……. @X should have a mechanism to detect and block such handles openly indulging in criminal activities.”
This warning comes in the wake of Ghoshal revealing on Instagram that her X account had been hacked since February 13th. Despite her efforts to contact the X team for assistance, Ghoshal received minimal response beyond automated messages. She lamented, “I am unable to even delete my account since I can’t log in anymore.”
Furthermore, Ghoshal cautioned her followers against engaging with any links shared on her compromised X account, emphasizing that they are all spam or phishing attempts. She assured her fans that she would provide a personal video update if she successfully regains control of her account.
In light of these incidents, many of Ghoshal’s supporters expressed solidarity with her on Instagram, urging her to seek help from higher authorities to resolve the hacking issue. They reminisced about the sentimental value attached to her account, which holds years of memories and interactions with her fans.
Additionally, Mittal’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of fake pages attempting to impersonate reputable sources like The Indian Express for nefarious purposes. To help readers identify these fraudulent pages, a guide on recognizing authentic news articles was provided. Key indicators of fake news include tall claims endorsing financial products, dubious URLs that deviate from the official domain address, and spelling errors in the masthead.
As online scams continue to pose a threat to unsuspecting internet users, it is imperative to remain vigilant and discerning while consuming information on social media platforms. By staying informed and adopting critical thinking practices, individuals can safeguard themselves against falling prey to malicious schemes propagated by fraudulent entities.
In conclusion, the convergence of cybercrime and misinformation underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness in today’s interconnected world. Initiatives that empower users to spot and report suspicious online activities are crucial in combating the evolving landscape of online threats and safeguarding the integrity of digital spaces.