PATNA:  A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against unknown cyber fraudsters for stealing Rs 1 lakh from the district election officer of Purnea, an official said on Monday.

The thieves messaged Niwas Kumar from a phone number that displayed the former's picture as the district commissioner while pretending to be from the district of Gorakh Nath.  They instructed Kumar to transfer Rs 1 lakh urgently to the number. 

Based on Niwas Kumar's statement, an FIR has been filed in this matter at the Khajanchi Haat police station in Purnea.

Without cross-checking with the divisional commission, Kumar transferred Rs 1.00 lakh to the number. He contacted the divisional commissioner after paying the money to ensure it was received. He was startled to learn that no such money was required and realised that cybercriminals had duped him.

"A similar incident occurred ten days ago when several Purnea division policemen called me after being told to send money to a specific telephone number. The officers contacted me for the verification and I said that I had not demanded money from anyone," Gorakh Nath said.

"I have asked the Purnea district SP to look into the matter and find the suspect. I also urge the general public to alert locals whenever they receive such texts on their mobile phones" he added.

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