In one of the most ironic twists in the world of online scams, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, found himself staring at a WhatsApp message that read:
“Are you in the office?”
The sender? Someone claiming to be… Vijay Shekhar Sharma himself.
Taking to social media to share this surreal exchange, Sharma posted a screenshot of the message along with a wry caption: “Impersonating myself to me.”
What followed was an explosion of reactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. The internet had a field day, combining meme-worthy humor with genuine concern about the increasing frequency of impersonation scams.
Credits: Hindustan Times
Social Media Reacts: From “Vijay Calling Vijay” to Scam Awareness
The screenshot went viral, and so did the reactions:
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“Impersonating ka tarika thoda kesual hai” — joked one user, poking fun at the scammer’s informal tone.
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“Vijay calling Vijay” — another user chimed in, referencing the Bollywood thriller Karthik Calling Karthik, where the protagonist receives calls from himself.
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“Bas itna confidence chahiye” — said another, in awe of the scammer’s nerve.
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“Ask him what cashback you get on Paytm UPI” — quipped one user, blending humor with Paytm’s branding.
While many laughed, others raised red flags. One serious comment read, “Jokes apart, this is a serious concern and many people are fooled by it.” And that hits the nail on the head.
This wasn’t just a funny internet moment. It was a wake-up call about the rising sophistication — and boldness — of cyber scammers.
Impersonation Scams: A Growing Digital Threat
Online impersonation is no longer limited to celebrities or public figures. It’s affecting everyone, from business leaders to ordinary individuals.
Scammers create fake accounts using stolen profile pictures and familiar names. Once they gain trust, they manipulate their targets — often pretending to be a boss, a colleague, a family member, or even the victim themselves — like in Sharma’s case.
They may ask:
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“Are you busy?”
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“Can you help me with a payment?”
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“Can you share your OTP?”
All it takes is one moment of confusion or trust, and thousands of rupees can vanish.
Such scams have become especially prevalent on WhatsApp due to its wide user base and the ease of cloning profile images and names. But the techniques aren’t just confined to messaging apps — email, SMS, and social media are all commonly used platforms.
WhatsApp’s Official Advice: Don’t Fall for It
WhatsApp has outlined some crucial steps for users to protect themselves:
1. Pause and Think
Before you reply to a strange message — especially if it’s asking for personal info — ask yourself:
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Does this message sound unusual?
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Is the sender rushing me or creating urgency?
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Are they asking for my OTP, UPI PIN, or money?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these — stop right there.
2. Verify the Identity
Even if the profile name and picture look familiar, do not assume it’s real.
Try contacting the person through another method — like a phone call or email — to confirm it’s them.
3. Block and Report
If you suspect a scam:
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Block the number immediately.
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Use the “Report” feature on WhatsApp.
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Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your profile picture and about section.
Additionally, make sure two-step verification is turned on in WhatsApp to provide extra protection.
A Scam That’s Funny, But Far From Harmless
While Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s incident gave people a laugh, the reality is that millions fall prey to similar scams every year — many losing life savings or sensitive information.
This incident stands out not just because of the irony, but because it shows how bold and careless scammers have become. They’re no longer just pretending to be a friend or relative — they’re pretending to be you, and messaging you.
If even a high-profile tech entrepreneur can become the target of such an impersonation, it’s a reminder that no one is immune.
Credits: Hindustan Times
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
So next time you get a WhatsApp message that feels slightly off — even if it’s from someone “you know” — follow the golden rule:
Pause. Verify. Protect.
Because impersonation isn’t just an online joke anymore. It’s a very real scam — and your best defense is awareness.
