Deep Fake Shimla/Chandigarh, June 2: Concerned over the alleged misuse of his photograph on a WhatsApp account by an unknown individual, Pankaj Rai, IAS, Deputy Director at PGI, has issued a public caution, warning friends, colleagues and the general public not to respond to any suspicious messages or financial requests made in his name.
In a message circulated on social media, Rai stated that his photograph was being used without his consent on a WhatsApp account, raising apprehensions of impersonation and possible financial fraud. He urged people to remain vigilant and verify any communication claiming to be from him before acting upon it.
The incident comes at a time when the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, deepfake technology and identity theft has made online impersonation increasingly sophisticated. Cyber experts point out that fraudsters often misuse photographs of government officers, professionals and public figures to create fake social media or messaging accounts in an attempt to gain credibility and deceive unsuspecting people.
However, observers note that public awareness about online fraud has increased significantly in recent years. Many users have become cautious about transferring money or sharing sensitive information based solely on messages received through social media platforms. Verification through direct phone calls, video calls or official channels is increasingly becoming the norm.
"There is hardly anyone today who can blindly trust a social media profile or WhatsApp account for financial transactions, particularly in the age of deepfakes and AI-generated identities," said a cyber security observer. "Yet fraudsters continue to exploit trust, urgency and social engineering tactics to target vulnerable individuals."
Rai's warning serves as a reminder that even senior government officials are not immune to digital identity misuse. Citizens have been advised to verify the authenticity of requests, avoid sharing personal or banking details online, and immediately report suspicious accounts to the concerned platform and cybercrime authorities.
The episode once again highlights the growing challenge posed by digital impersonation and the need for stronger cyber awareness as technology continues to blur the line between real and fake identities online.
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