Two Arrested in Facebook Donation Scam in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two people for running a fake donation scam on Facebook in Srinagar. The scam involved posting a false story and photo to collect money from the public.

Police said the fraud came to light after Muneer Ahmad Misger, a resident of Nowhatta, filed a complaint on May 30. He said that an unknown journalist had shared a photo of his sister on Facebook along with a fake story claiming she needed surgery, and asked for public donations. The surgery never took place.

Police quickly registered a case under Sections 318(2) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an investigation.

The main accused was identified as Mohammad Lateef Lone from Tujan, Pulwama. He was running the Facebook page that posted the fake appeal. Another person, Amir Yousuf Khan from Bandipora (currently living in Gulab Bagh, Zakoora), was also arrested for providing the bank account used to collect the money.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing, and more people involved in the scam may be arrested.

Authorities have warned the public and the media not to share or forward the fake Facebook post. Doing so could help spread the scam and cause more harm to the victim’s family.

J&K Police have urged people to stay cautious and report any suspicious online fundraising campaigns to their nearest police station.