Bengaluru Fraud Alert: Scammers Impersonate Top Civic Officials on WhatsApp, GBA Issues Citywide Advisory
Bengaluru: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a detailed public advisory warning citizens and government officials about a growing WhatsApp-based fraud racket that is impersonating top civic officials, including the Chief Commissioner and City Corporation Commissioners, to seek money.
According to the GBA, multiple incidents have been reported in recent days where fraudsters have used display pictures, names, and official designations of senior officers to send deceptive messages and solicit financial assistance. Authorities have confirmed that these are coordinated impersonation attempts, and complaints have already been filed with Cyber Crime Police, leading to the registration of FIRs.
Multiple Officials Targeted Across Bengaluru
The fraud attempts are not isolated. Cases have been reported across various civic zones:
- Complaints in the name of the Chief Commissioner were filed on April 15 and April 17, 2026
- A case involving the North City Corporation Commissioner was reported on April 22
- Complaints linked to the East and Central Commissioners were filed on April 23
- Action is underway to file a complaint related to the South City Corporation Commissioner
Fraudulent Numbers Identified
Investigations have revealed that scammers used both Indian and international numbers to carry out the impersonation:
- Chief Commissioner impersonation: +91 7631678095, +62 815580651
- East Commissioner impersonation: +62 85124911356
- North Commissioner impersonation: +62 81913935100
- Central & South Commissioners impersonation: +62 83197536332
Officials clarified that these numbers are unauthorised and not linked to any government office.
‘Do Not Transfer Money Under Any Circumstances’
The GBA has issued a strict warning that no government official will ever request money via WhatsApp or personal messages. Citizens and staff have been categorically advised not to transfer funds based on such requests.
Legal Action Underway
Authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness, and legal proceedings have already been initiated against unknown individuals involved in the scam. Cyber Crime units are actively tracking the source of these messages.
Public Advisory and Helpline
The GBA has urged both officials and the general public to remain vigilant:
- Do not respond to calls or messages from unknown numbers
- Immediately report suspicious communication to the nearest police station
- Inform the GBA helpline at 1533 in case of any fraud attempt
With impersonation scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, authorities emphasise that awareness and immediate reporting are the strongest safeguards against financial fraud.
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