Actor Kriti Kharbanda has alerted her fans and followers to a case of identity theft after learning that someone has been impersonating her on WhatsApp. On her Instagram page, Kharbanda shared details of the incident and encouraged the public to verify any suspicious communication claiming to represent her, emphasising the need for caution online.

Kharbanda posted a screenshot of the fraudulent WhatsApp conversation on Instagram Stories, clarifying that the number used did not belong to her. In her message, she stated, "Not ok. Not cool. Not my number. Pretending to be someone you're not is a clear case of identity theft. Be warned," making it clear that any messages from the number should be regarded as fraudulent.

The screenshot included a conversation where the recipient responded, 'This is not her number,' to which the impersonator replied, 'I messaged from this baba.' The incident highlights the growing problem of digital impersonation, especially targeting public figures.

Kharbanda's warning comes as similar incidents have affected other celebrities. Rakul Preet Singh, Sunny Leone, and Abhinav Shukla have each reported cases of impersonators attempting to contact fans or use their identities for fraudulent purposes. Many victims have spoken out to raise awareness about these risks.

Reflecting on these dangers, Abhinav Shukla said, "Fraudsters are evolving faster than we do; they have a new trick up their sleeve each time. Even though I’m a public figure, I’m an introvert at heart, so I don’t end up sharing too much online, but in such cases where people are impersonating you, no matter how careful one is, you end up getting trapped in these scams. All one can do is try to be vigilant and avoid sharing personal information online."

Fans responded quickly to Kharbanda's alert, expressing thanks for her prompt clarification and concern over the increasing misuse of digital platforms. Many called for stricter action against online impersonation and improved security on messaging and social media services.

Kriti Kharbanda is known for her work in Hindi and Kannada films and remains active on social media, often engaging directly with her audience. Her recent post draws attention to the importance of digital awareness and responsible online conduct amidst the rise in cybercrime.

Cyber experts advise users always to verify the identity of those contacting them, to avoid sharing sensitive or financial information with unverified parties, and to report any suspicious activity directly to platform authorities. Kharbanda has not confirmed if she has filed a formal complaint, but her action underscores the ongoing need for vigilance online.