IIT Bombay Student's ID Misused in Disturbing Scam Targeting JEE Aspirants

A Disturbing Case of Identity Misuse

An IIT Bombay student has revealed that a photo of his college ID card, which he shared online eight months ago, was horrifically exploited in a scam aimed at Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) candidates. Abhishek Gill, the student in question, detailed his experience in a viral LinkedIn post, expressing disbelief over the misuse of his ID.

Gill recounted, "Eight months back, I proudly posted about receiving my IIT Bombay ID card, a moment I wanted to share with others. That post gained significant attention and even appeared on Google. However, I had to remove it today."

He explained that an impersonator used his ID photo, claiming to be 'Abhishek Kumar from IIT Bombay CSE,' to harass and scam female JEE aspirants. This individual allegedly told the victims he had access to leaked JEE papers through a professor and solicited nude photographs in exchange.

Gill shared that one courageous girl contacted him after recognizing his real profile and informed him of the situation. Despite blocking the impersonator, he continued to harass her from various accounts. "This made me realize the extent of danger and depravity some individuals possess," he stated.

To prevent further issues, Gill deleted his original post and urged others to be cautious about what they share online. "I never imagined that something intended to inspire could be twisted in such a way. If you post anything online, especially your ID, please be careful. The internet has a long memory, and malicious individuals will find ways to exploit it," he concluded.

Public Outcry and Support

The online community reacted strongly to Gill's post, with many expressing outrage. One commenter noted, "The internet is no longer a safe space. It's disheartening to see such individuals among us. We need to recognize our responsibilities towards society and online communities."

Another user expressed sympathy, stating, "This is truly heartbreaking. No one should endure such experiences. It's disgraceful how some misuse others' identities. Kudos to you for raising awareness."

A different comment highlighted the absurdity of the situation, saying, "It's shocking that something meant to inspire turned into this. The internet can be a perilous place, and it's frightening how low some people can go."

Additionally, a user pointed out the misconception that IIT students have access to JEE question papers, which perpetuates these scams.