Prayagraj: Given the fact that cyber fraudsters are active on social media, the authorities of the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board (UP Board) sounded a statewide cyber warning after fraudsters created multiple fake social media accounts using names and logos similar to the Board.Secretary, UP Board, Bhagwati Singh directed all District Inspectors of Schools (DIoS) to identify, report, and act against such fraudulent profiles immediately. Cyber fraudsters active on social media created multiple fake accounts using names and logos similar to those of the UP Board, raising serious concerns about the spread of misinformation and potential financial scams targeting students and schools.The letter emphasises heightened vigilance against fraudulent social media accounts impersonating the Board and urges swift reporting of any suspicious online activity.In the communication, the secretary instructed officials that if any social media account is found using a name, logo, or identity resembling that of the Board, a detailed report must be prepared and sent to the Board without delay. Additionally, such accounts should be reported directly to the respective social media platforms for necessary action.The Board maintains several verified official social media platforms, including a Facebook page, WhatsApp account, X (formerly Twitter) handle, and Instagram account. However, recent monitoring revealed a suspicious Facebook page operating under the name ‘Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh’. Alarmingly, the page already garnered around 6,500 followers, increasing the risk of misinformation reaching a large audience.Further investigation by Board officials uncovered several other fraudulent and suspicious accounts across different platforms, all designed to closely resemble the Board’s official digital presence. The authorities fear that these fake accounts could be used to circulate misleading or unverified information, particularly targeting High School and Intermediate students, as well as educational institutions.There is also growing concern that cybercriminals may exploit these fake profiles to conduct online fraud, extract sensitive information, or lure students and schools into financial scams. Given the ongoing academic cycle and examination-related activities, officials believe the risk is especially high.To counter the threat, the Board instructed all DIoS officers to alert schools in their respective districts and ensure that students, teachers, and administrators remain cautious. Schools were advised to rely only on the Board’s official website and verified social media accounts for authentic updates and announcements.The secretary also warned against engaging with or following any lookalike or suspicious accounts, stressing that misinformation from unofficial sources could cause confusion, panic, or financial harm.
