Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Fake WhatsApp Account Misuses Nashik Collector’s Name, Photo
Someone made a fake WhatsApp account using Nashik Collector Ayush Prasad’s name and photo.
The account is marked as a Business Account and uses a Thailand-based number.
It has sent friendly messages to people to start conversations.
The real Collector’s Office said the account is not official.
People should not reply to the messages or calls from that number.
They should not share passwords, OTPs, documents, bank details or other personal information.
People should verify any message claiming to come from the district administration.
Suspicious messages should be reported to the authorities.
An unidentified person reportedly created a fake WhatsApp Business account using Ayush Prasad’s name, designation and photograph.
The account displays the name “Ayush Prasad” and operates through a Thailand-based number.
Messages including “Hello… How are you doing… Where are you at the moment?” were sent to citizens.
The Nashik District Collector’s Office clarified that the account is not official.
Citizens were urged not to respond or share personal information, documents, OTPs or financial details, and to report suspicious communications.
- Who
- An unidentified person reportedly created the fake account using Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad’s identity.
- What
- A fake WhatsApp Business account is impersonating Ayush Prasad and contacting citizens.
- Where
- Nashik district; the account operates through a Thailand-based number.
- Why
- The messages appear intended to establish contact, prompting warnings about possible misuse of personal or financial information.
- Impersonated official
- Ayush Prasad, Nashik District Collector and District Magistrate
- Platform
- WhatsApp Business
- Account location
- Thailand-based number
- Account status
- Not an official account, according to the District Collector’s Office
- Reported messages
- “Hello… How are you doing… Where are you at the moment?”
- Public warning
- Do not respond or share personal information, documents, OTPs, bank details or financial information
- Recommended action
- Verify suspicious communications and report them to the concerned authorities