On Tuesday(10th Sept), The Bombay High Court warned the public against fraudsters impersonating judges or court officials to solicit money via calls or messages. The Court advised reporting such incidents to the police and highlighted that some messages and links are being falsely sent in the names of judicial officers.
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MUMBAI: On Tuesday(10th Sept), The Bombay High Court has issued a cautionary notice, urging the public to be vigilant against fraudsters who are impersonating judges and judicial officers to demand money. This comes in the wake of increasing reports of individuals receiving phone calls and text messages falsely claiming to be from high-ranking officials within the court system.
Scammers Using Judges’ Names to Demand Money
In a public notice released by the Registrar General, the Bombay High Court highlighted an alarming trend of fraudulent activity.
“The High Court Administration has been informed that calls are being made under the names of Hon’ble Judges, requesting money.”
-the notice stated.
This is a serious issue, with unknown individuals attempting to extort money by portraying fake identities of esteemed members of the judiciary.
The notice further pointed out-
“It has also come to our attention that text messages and links are being sent, shared, and circulated, falsely involving Judicial Officers under the Bombay High Court.”
These fraudulent messages, often designed to deceive individuals into transferring money, are part of a broader scam targeting unsuspecting victims.
Rising Cases of Impersonation
These scams are not only limited to phone calls.
The notice emphasized that-
“Some unknown persons are making these calls and sending text messages/links portraying fake identity involving names of the Hon’ble Judges of the Bombay High Court and Judicial Officers working under supervision and control of the Bombay High Court.”
This highlights the serious nature of the fraud, as it seeks to exploit the names of high-ranking officials to achieve unlawful financial gain.
The court administration is not taking this lightly. Immediate action is being taken to address the situation.
According to the Registrar General-
“The HC administration is taking action against these miscreants and coordinating with the police on these cases.”
This step is crucial in ensuring that those responsible for these fraudulent activities are brought to justice.
Advice to the Public: Report Fraudulent Activity to Police
In the notice, the high court administration urged the public not to fall victim to these scams. Instead of responding to any such communication, individuals should immediately report the matter to the police.
“Instead of responding to such fraudulent communication, it should be reported to police,”
– the court advised, underlining the importance of swift reporting to stop further incidents.
This warning comes at a critical time, as fraudulent activities of this nature are on the rise, affecting not only the Bombay High Court but also other institutions across the country. The notice serves as a reminder for the public to stay cautious and avoid interacting with anyone claiming to be a judge or judicial officer through unofficial means.
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Similar Case at the Supreme Court
This issue isn’t isolated to the Bombay High Court. Recently, a similar case emerged from the Supreme Court of India, where a fraudster pretended to be Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud on a social media platform. The impersonator sought money under the guise of needing a ‘cab fare.’ The administration of the Supreme Court quickly lodged a complaint with the Delhi police regarding the incident. This underscores the growing prevalence of such scams within the judicial system and the need for heightened security and vigilance.
Judicial Authorities Take Swift Action
In response to the growing threat, the court authorities have vowed to clamp down on these fraudulent activities. By working closely with law enforcement agencies, the high court administration hopes to quickly trace and apprehend the criminals behind these scams.
“The HC administration is initiating action against such miscreants and also taking up the cases with police,”
-the notice reiterated.
This concerted effort between judicial authorities and police forces is essential in curbing these fraudulent practices.
Stay Alert: Protect Yourself from Judicial Impersonation Scams
As these fraudulent activities become more sophisticated, it is critical for the public to be well-informed and cautious.
Here are some steps individuals can take to protect themselves from such scams:
- Verify the Identity: If you receive a call or message claiming to be from a judge or court official, do not take it at face value. Always verify the identity of the caller by contacting the official court office directly.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information over the phone or via text, especially if the request seems suspicious.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious calls, messages, or links, report them to the police immediately. This will help law enforcement agencies track down and stop these scammers.
- Ignore Financial Requests: Court officials and judges will never request money from individuals, whether through phone calls or messages. Any such request should be considered a red flag.
By staying alert and following these guidelines, the public can avoid falling victim to these scams. The Bombay High Court’s timely warning and actions aim to reduce the chances of people being misled by such fraudulent schemes.