Received Dhoni’s Rs.600/- request? Scammers Impersonating MS Dhoni on Social Media

Cricket enthusiasts beware! Scammers are targeting fans by impersonating former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni on social media platforms and messaging apps. 

In a recent incident, a scammer claiming to be Dhoni messaged an individual on Instagram, requesting ₹ 600 to facilitate his safe return from Ranchi, where he was allegedly stranded without his wallet.

The scammer, operating under the handle “mahi77i2” (Dhoni’s official handle is “mahi7781”), attempted to add legitimacy to the fraudulent scheme by sending a selfie and using the Chennai Super Kings slogan “Whistle Podu.” Despite the blatant discrepancies in the username and handle, the post managed to attract over 200,000 views on social media, highlighting the effectiveness of such impersonation tactics.

Experts caution that impersonation scams like this are alarmingly common online. Scammers employ convincing tactics such as similar usernames, profile pictures, and knowledge of the target’s interests to deceive unsuspecting individuals. It serves as a reminder for users to exercise vigilance and scepticism when encountering such messages.

In today’s digital landscape, online scams come in various forms, targeting individuals to exploit their resources. To safeguard against such fraudulent activities, it is crucial to remain cautious and vigilant. Never send money to unfamiliar individuals, and always verify account information before engaging with unknown contacts.

The impersonation of celebrities like MS Dhoni for fraudulent purposes underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness. By staying informed and exercising caution, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to online scams and ensure a safer digital experience.