Several top Goa politicians including ministers were attacked by cyber fraudsters with fake WhatsApp accounts created in their names.
Police complaints have been lodged at multiple police stations related to the attempt at defrauding the politicians which are under investigation at Vasco and Porvorim.
Three ministers — Ravi Naik, Mauvin Godinho and Rohan Khaunte — were among the politicians targeted and all three have filed complaints.
Among the MLAs Jeet Arolkar, Nilesh Cabral and Premendra Shet were targeted by the fraudsters.
Some of the targeted politicians have issued public notices through social media warning their acquaintances and karyakartas about conmen seeking money through their fake WhatsApp profiles.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte filed a complaint at the Porvorim police station against an unknown person for impersonating him and using his name and photo on WhatsApp to send messages to people to trick them.
In his complaint, Khaunte stated that on Thursday at about 2.50 pm, he was informed by his staff that an unknown person had sent him a WhatsApp text pretending to be Rohan Khaunte using his name and picture.
Khaunte said he then immediately instructed his staff to check the contact number and other corresponding credentials of the said person.
It was noticed that the unknown person had created a business account under his name and had used a photo which was uploaded on the website of the Goa Legislative Assembly, to make the WhatsApp contact look authentic.
Khaunte then lodged a complaint against the miscreant for impersonating him and using his name and reputation to send messages to people under Section 319, 204 and 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 66D & 66D of IT Act, 2000 and Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The minister requested the Porvorim police to register a First Information Report as the incident clearly discloses commission of a serious crime. He has also demanded an immediate investigation by police.
In Vasco, a complaint was filed against an unknown person for allegedly creating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, in a fraudulent attempt to solicit money.
Condemning the fraudulent activities, Godinho said, “It has come to my attention that a false message has been circulated in my name and image on WhatsApp, requesting money through an Amazon Pay e-gift card. This message is fraudulent, and I strongly condemn such malicious activities.”
The minister confirmed that an official complaint has been lodged with the police, and an investigation is underway.
He also appealed to the public to exercise caution when encountering suspicious requests. “I urge everyone to remain vigilant and not engage with any suspicious requests.
Thank you for your cooperation and support,” Godinho added.
The incident has raised concerns about online scams targeting public figures and unsuspecting individuals. Police are investigating the case.
