West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s name, picture being used by online loan frauds, warn police

KOLKATA: Bengal Police on Sunday issued a warning that loan frauds are using CM Mamata Banerjee’s name and picture to deceive people.

Fraudsters are circulating “misleading” advertisements on social media containing the CM’s name and picture “to lure people by offering” instant loans, loans without CIBIL score, guaranteed loans without verification and govt-approved financial schemes, state police mentioned in their X post.

Cops clarified that such loan schemes were announced neither by the CM nor by the state govt. Cops have also warned of legal action against the swindlers.




“These advertisements, doing the rounds on social media, are fraudulent. The use of the CM’s name and picture is illegal. Stern legal action will be taken against those responsible for impersonation, cheating, cyber fraud and misuse of a public authority’s name and image,” said a police officer.

According to police, the fraudsters are circulating advertisements and reels on social media, urging people to download fake apps or redirecting them to fake websites and WhatsApp numbers used by the gang. Turn

Fraudsters are asking those who are responding to the advertisements to share their personal information such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank details and OTPs. The victims are then being asked to pay a processing fee or make an advance payment.

Cops said the swindlers either snap communication with the victims after receiving the payments or misuse the details to commit fraud.

Police have sought cooperation from the public to deal with the cyber frauds. Officers are advising people not to click on suspicious links or install unverified loan apps. “We are urging people not to fall for such online ads,” an officer said.

“People must not share OTPs, bank details or personal details with unknown people. These details are used to siphon off money from victims’ bank accounts. One must verify loan offers with authorised banks, non-banking financial companies and govt websites. We have advised people not to make any payment and report to us whenever they come across such advertisements,” the officer said.

Cops have also asked people to preserve screenshots, links, phone numbers and transaction details that will be required for the probe if they fall victim to fraudsters.

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