The Bombay High Court, on September 11, 2024, issued a advisory warning to the public regarding a surge in fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating High Court judges. These scammers have been targeting unsuspecting citizens through calls, messages, and misleading links, falsely asserting authority and demanding money.
The High Court Takes Swift Action
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Registrar General of the High Court released an official advisory. The Court appointed Rajendra T. Virkar as the Nodal Officer to manage and respond to reports concerning these scams.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity directly to Virkar via email at rajvirkar@yahoo.com. His role is to streamline the response and investigation process while ensuring that law enforcement agencies are properly informed.
How Scammers Operate?
Scammers have been utilizing various deceptive tactics, such as:
- Phone calls: Posing as judges or officers of the High Court.
- Text messages and links: Sending phishing messages that mislead recipients into thinking they are communicating with judicial authorities.
- Demands for money: Claiming that funds are needed for legal proceedings or other false causes.
These fraudsters exploit people’s trust in the judicial system, making it even more vital for individuals to remain vigilant.
High Court’s Recommendations for the Public
The High Court advises citizens not to engage with any suspicious communication. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Do not respond: Avoid replying to or entertaining these calls or messages.
- Report to the police: Immediately report the incident to your local police station.
- Contact the Nodal Officer: Forward all suspicious communications to Rajendra T. Virkar for further investigation.
“This isn’t just about financial loss; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary,” emphasized the advisory.
Public Cooperation is Key
Public awareness and involvement are crucial in combating this growing threat. The High Court has assured citizens that it is collaborating closely with police forces and cybercrime units to crack down on these activities. However, without timely reports from the public, tracking and stopping these scammers becomes more challenging.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate in reporting any suspicious activities swiftly. Only through joint efforts can we prevent further harm,” the High Court reiterated.
Key Information at a Glance
| Details | Information |
| Date of Advisory | September 11, 2024 |
| Nodal Officer Appointed | Rajendra T. Virkar |
| Contact for Reporting | rajvirkar@yahoo.com |
| How Scammers Operate | Phone calls, text messages, phishing links |
| Action for Public | Report to local police, contact the Nodal Officer |
| Public Safety Reminder | Do not engage with suspicious messages or calls |
FAQs
Scammers often impersonate judicial authorities and ask for money or sensitive information. Always verify the identity of the person by directly contacting the concerned department.
Do not respond or provide any information. Report the call to your local police station and send the details to the Nodal Officer at rajvirkar@yahoo.com.
Yes, blocking the numbers is a good first step, but it is equally important to report them so the authorities can investigate further.
No, the High Court will never request money or sensitive information through unofficial communication channels.
Read Also: Online Trading Scam Busted in Assam
By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, the public plays a pivotal role in protecting both themselves and the integrity of the judiciary. The Bombay High Court, along with law enforcement agencies, is taking active steps to ensure these scams are curtailed, but public cooperation is essential.
Stay informed, stay alert.
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