WhatsApp scam: Fraudster uses Wayand Collector's identity to seek money, number traced to Vietnam

Kalpetta: Wayanad District Collector Meghashree DR has issued a warning through her official Facebook page, urging the public not to send money to anyone claiming to be her. A WhatsApp number using her name and photograph has reportedly been seeking financial help from various individuals over the past few days.

According to the Collector, the fraudulent message reads: “I need you to fund some executive prospects account on my behalf while I'm busy attending an urgent meeting. I will reimburse you before the end of the day.” The message also instructs recipients to send a screenshot of the payment receipt to the number for reimbursement.

The Wayanad Cyber Police have launched an investigation and traced the number to Vietnam. Officials said the WhatsApp number is listed as a business account, and the user is believed to have joined the messaging platform in October.

Police sources indicated that a case would be registered soon.