Telecom Department Issues Warning About Scammers Posing as MS Dhoni on Social Media

New Delhi: With cricket fever gripping the nation, the Department of Telecom (DoT) issued a warning to fans about social media scams involving impersonators of legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Scammers are targeting fans on platforms like Instagram, posing as Dhoni and requesting money.

The DoT shared a screenshot of a typical message, where the imposter claims to be stranded in Ranchi without their wallet and asks for ₹600 via PhonePe to return home by bus. The message even includes a “selfie” of Dhoni for added legitimacy.

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 #SancharSathi👇https://t.co/9wMyxZKTZl@Cyberdost pic.twitter.com/DazB2mXO4a

— DoT India (@DoT_India) April 26, 2024

“Beware of scammers trying to bowl you out!” cautioned the DoT in a social media post. They advise fans to be wary of anyone claiming to be Dhoni and seeking money for travel.

The DoT recommends reporting such scams on the Sanchar Saathi portal, a government initiative designed to help Indian mobile users address issues like lost smartphones, identity theft, and forged KYC documents.