Telecom Department issues warning as scammers target MS Dhoni fans with fake messages

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) matches in the IPL continue to witness massive turnouts, with fans cheering loudly for the team and especially for former captain MS Dhoni. However, scammers are trying to take advantage of Dhoni's popularity by sending deceptive messages on Instagram. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has cautioned fans to stay alert and not fall prey to these fraudulent schemes.

In a recent alert posted on their official platform, the DoT revealed that scamsters are impersonating MS Dhoni on Instagram and requesting money from unsuspecting individuals.

"Hi, I am MS Dhoni, messaging you from my private account. I am currently in the outskirts of Ranchi and I have forgotten my wallet. Could you please transfer ₹600 via PhonePe so I can return home by bus? I will send the money back once I am home," read a screenshot of the Instagram message shared by the DoT.



The scammer even goes as far as sending a selfie of Dhoni as "proof" along with the text "Whistle podu," a popular catchphrase associated with CSK.

The DoT has issued a stern warning to the public to be wary of such scams.

"Beware of scammers trying to bowl you out! If anyone claims to be the legendary @msdhoni seeking bus tickets, it's a googly you don't want to catch. Report them faster than @msdhoni's stumpings on Chakshu at #SancharSathisancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc," the DoT stated in its post.

The DoT's Sanchar Saathi portal allows Indian mobile users to track and block lost smartphones and prevent identity theft using the CEIR module. Additionally, the "Chakshu" portal enables citizens to report suspected fraud communications, including cyber-crime, financial frauds, impersonation, or other misuses through calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.