CBI warns of Rising Fake ‘WhatsApp–CBI’ scams; Himachal Cyber police Issues Alert

Shimla, Dec 3,

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a nationwide warning after a noticeable rise in cases where cybercriminals are impersonating CBI officials through WhatsApp messages, video calls, emails and spoofed VoIP numbers. These networks, officials say, have been intimidating citizens by falsely accusing them of involvement in a CBI probe and demanding money to “settle” the matter.

A Sophisticated Scam Network

According to the advisory, organised criminal groups have begun circulating forged summons, fabricated arrest warrants, manipulated notices and AI-generated documents. These materials often carry copied CBI logos, forged signatures and doctored digital identity cards, giving them an appearance of legitimacy. Cyber experts warn that the use of deepfake audio and video tools has made these impersonations even more convincing, allowing scammers to mimic the voice or face of officials with alarming accuracy.

Victims usually receive alarming messages such as “You are under CBI investigation” or claims that their Aadhaar or bank account is linked to criminal activities. Many are threatened with arrest unless they cooperate immediately. To reinforce the intimidation, fraudsters employ AI-designed letterheads, morphed ID cards, fake CBI seals, spoofed caller IDs showing “CBI Office,” and deepfake voices. Caught off guard and unfamiliar with official procedures, several individuals end up sharing personal details or transferring money in panic.

CBI Clarifies Its Official Protocol

Amid rising complaints, the CBI has categorically clarified that it does not send summons or arrest notices on WhatsApp, does not ask for money or bank details over the phone, and never threatens arrest through calls or messages. Citizens have been urged to ignore such communications and verify any concerns through official CBI contact numbers or by visiting the nearest police station.

Expert Warning from Himachal Cyber Police

Renowned cyber-crime investigator and Union Home Minister’s Medal awardee, Narvir Singh Rathour, HPS, who serves as Additional Superintendent of Police (State Cyber Crime, Shimla & State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau), has also sounded a strong warning on this growing threat.

“These impersonation scams are among the most psychologically manipulative cybercrimes we are witnessing,” he said. “Criminals misuse the reputation of national investigative agencies to induce panic. Our analysis shows that victims often lose money within minutes, driven solely by fear.”

Rathour explained that the Himachal Pradesh Cyber Police is actively tracking VoIP-based fraud, deepfake usage and AI-generated forged documents used by these gangs. He stressed that many forged notices are created using advanced AI design tools, with spoofed numbers displayed as “CBI Head Office” and deepfake voices mimicking senior officers.

“Citizens must understand that legal agencies never communicate in such a manner. This is organised cyber-extortion,” he said, adding that several of these networks operate across interstate and international locations, relying heavily on fear conditioning and swift compliance.

Appealing to the public, Rathour urged people to remain cautious. “No CBI, police or government officer will ever demand money online. If you receive any such call, disconnect immediately and report it to 1930. Awareness is the strongest firewall, especially for senior citizens and students.”

Nationwide Concern as Scammers Target Vulnerable Groups

Cyber experts say these impersonation gangs specifically target elderly persons, women living alone, students, working professionals and individuals with limited digital awareness. Losses across India are already running into crores, underlining the scale of the threat and the sophistication of the operations behind it.

Public Advisory and Ongoing Action

Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert, preserve evidence such as screenshots and report all suspicious calls to the National Cyber Helpline 1930 or via the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in. Law enforcement agencies across the country are intensifying efforts to trace and dismantle these networks.

As cybercrime becomes more technologically advanced with the integration of AI and deepfake tools, officials stress that vigilance, verification and prompt reporting remain the strongest forms of defence. Public cooperation, they say, is crucial in curbing the spread of these impersonation rackets.

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