Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber has registered an FIR against a fake website allegedly impersonating the popular media platform “Viral Bhayani” and offering fraudulent celebrity media promotion and social media feature services to unsuspecting users. According to officials, the offence has been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber, under Section 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, read with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.The case pertains to the alleged creation and operation of a fraudulent website, https://viralbhayani.in/, which falsely projected itself as an official platform associated with “Viral Bhayani” and claimed to provide celebrity media promotion and Instagram feature services. Investigators said the fake website offered several paid promotional packages, including “Celebrity Media Services by Team Viral Bhayani” for ₹25,000, “YouTube Feature” for ₹35,000, and a “Multiplatform Boost” package for ₹75,000.Police said the accused allegedly used misleading representations to deceive members of the public into believing that they were dealing with an authentic and recognised media promotion platform and thereby induce them into making financial payments. During technical investigation and cyber analysis conducted by Maharashtra Cyber, officials allegedly traced the operation of the fake website to Aryan Jaiprakash Sharma, 25, a resident of Gandhidham in Gujarat. Maharashtra Cyber has urged citizens to remain cautious while dealing with online promotional agencies, influencer marketing services and social media verification platforms. Officials advised users to verify the authenticity of websites and service providers before making any financial transactions. Authorities have also appealed to individuals who may have suffered financial losses or were approached through the fake website to contact the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber, Mumbai, and share relevant information to aid the ongoing investigation.
