Chandigarh Police alert fans to Ghibli-themed online fraud

The North News

Chandigarh, March 5

The Chandigarh’s Cyber Crime Cell has issued a public advisory warning against a rising tide of cyber frauds exploiting the popularity of Ghibli-themed artwork. The advisory, issued by the Cyber Crime Police S outlines a series of deceptive practices targeting fans and digital artists associated with Studio Ghibli content. Fraudulent online shops, phishing emails disguised as official Ghibli updates, and malware masquerading as downloadable wallpapers are among the tactics highlighted.

Sharing details, Chandigarh Police said that fans lured by fake contests or giveaways risk compromising their personal data or unintentionally installing harmful software. Of particular concern is the creation of counterfeit artist profiles, which are used to impersonate legitimate fan artists and harvest sensitive user information. Authorities stress the importance of verifying social media identities and avoiding platforms that lack credibility, the police said.

The advisory also draws attention to the broader privacy risks of uploading personal images or granting app permissions without scrutiny. Facial recognition data, once captured, becomes a permanent identifier vulnerable to misuse. Such data can be sold on the dark web and exploited in synthetic identity fraud or deepfake scams.

Legal provisions under India’s IT Act—including Sections 66E, 43, 66, and 72—as well as IPC Section 465, are applicable to these offences. The police urge the public not to panic, but to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the government’s dedicated portal (https://www.cybercrime.gov.in). The advisory serves as a stark reminder of how art and fandom can be weaponised in the digital age, demanding greater digital hygiene and awareness from users.