In today’s digital age, scams and fraudulent activities are on the rise, with criminals continually devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. In a recent incident that has caught widespread attention, a scammer impersonated the Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud, in an attempt to swindle money from an individual.
The scam unfolded when an individual received a message from someone posing as the CJI. The imposter claimed to be stranded at Connaught Place and requested ₹500 to pay for a cab, promising to return the money upon reaching a meeting at the collegium. To add a semblance of authenticity, the scammer signed off the message with “Sent from iPad,” a detail that sparked both amusement and outrage among those who saw the now-viral screenshot.
The message from the scammer read, “Hello, I am CJI and we have an urgent meeting at the collegium and I am stuck at Connaught Place. Can you send me 500rs for a cab? I will return the money once I reach the court.”
Reacting to the absurdity of the situation, social media users were quick to ridicule the attempt. One user humorously remarked, “Sent from iPad – genuine cause,” pointing out the scammer’s attempt to sound credible. Another added, “Haha. CJI asking for Rs 500,” while a third commented, “Lmfao, whoever this is, is going to jail.”
The Supreme Court of India, taking swift action upon discovering the fraudulent message, lodged a formal complaint with the cybercrime cell on August 27, following instructions from CJI Chandrachud himself.
This incident highlights a broader trend of increasing cybercrimes in India. According to I4C, an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), there has been a notable surge in cybercrime activities targeting the country. Many of these crimes originate from the Southeast Asian region, a known hotspot for various digital scams, including investment fraud, fake stock market schemes, and counterfeit gaming apps.