Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against a counterfeit website that allegedly impersonated the well-known media platform “Viral Bhayani” and lured unsuspecting users with bogus celebrity media promotion and social media feature services.
Legal Action Taken
According to officials, the offense has been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber, under Section 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, read with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The case involves the creation and operation of a fraudulent website, https://viralbhayani.in/, which falsely projected itself as an official platform linked to “Viral Bhayani” and claimed to offer celebrity media promotion and Instagram feature services.
Fraudulent Packages Offered
Investigators revealed that the fake website promoted several paid packages, including “Celebrity Media Services by Team Viral Bhayani” for ₹25,000, “YouTube Feature” for ₹35,000, and a “Multiplatform Boost” package for ₹75,000. The accused allegedly used misleading representations to deceive the public into believing they were dealing with an authentic media promotion platform, thereby inducing financial payments.
Accused Identified
During technical investigation and cyber analysis, Maharashtra Cyber officials traced the operation of the fake website to Aryan Jaiprakash Sharma, 25, a resident of Gandhidham in Gujarat. The agency has urged citizens to exercise caution when dealing with online promotional agencies, influencer marketing services, and social media verification platforms. Users are advised to verify the authenticity of websites and service providers before making any financial transactions.
Appeal to Victims
Authorities have also appealed to individuals who may have suffered financial losses or were approached through the fake website to contact the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber, Mumbai, and share relevant information to assist the ongoing investigation.
Safety Tips for Citizens
- Always verify the official website URL of any media or promotion platform before making payments.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers for celebrity promotions or social media features that require upfront fees.
- Report any suspicious websites or fraudulent activities to the nearest cyber crime police station.
This incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud in the digital age, where scammers exploit the trust associated with popular brands. Maharashtra Cyber continues to work diligently to curb such illegal activities and protect the public from online scams.
