Pune: Cybercriminals have taken their schemes to a new level by targeting Pune Police, using the name and photo of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.

Commissioner Kumar has issued a public warning through his WhatsApp status, advising people not to respond to these fraudulent requests.

Commissioner Kumar revealed that his photo is being misused as a display picture by fraudsters to solicit money from the public. "My photo is being misused to demand money from citizens. Please do not respond to any such requests or messages," stated Kumar in his WhatsApp status, urging citizens to be vigilant.

This incident adds to the growing list of cyber fraud cases where criminals send messages and links to swindle money. They have even posed as bank officials in some instances. Both IT professionals and senior citizens have been victims of these scams.

The recent targeting of Pune Police indicates that even law enforcement is not immune to cyber threats. The police have reiterated their advice for the public to ignore such messages and not fall for any fraudulent schemes.

Recently, a police constable from the Pune City Police Department fell victim to Stock Market scam, losing seven lakh rupees.

The constable residing in the Shivajinagar Police Colony had lodged a complaint at the Shivajinagar Police Station regarding the incident. In November of last year, the constable came across an advertisement on social media promising triple returns on investments in the stock market.

Intrigued, he contacted the phone number provided in the advertisement. Cybercriminals on the other end lured him with promises of high returns on stock market investments.