Shankar Ghosh, the BJP MLA of Siliguri, has alleged that hackers have floated his fake profile on Facebook through which they are asking for money from people.

Ghosh said on Sunday he received phone calls from many people who told him they got messages from his fake profile, asking for sums ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. “Of late, we have come to know about this new trend of cybercrime... I want to clarify I have never asked anyone for any money in such a manner. No one should fall into this trap,” said the MLA.

He added that he had also brought the matter to the notice of Siliguri Metropolitan Police.

“Also, the legal cell of our party is aware of the issue and will take necessary steps,” he said.

During the past few months, a number of persons, including politicians, government officers, senior police officers and members of the business fraternity have faced a similar problem.

“Any social media user receiving such requests should be alert and must immediately check with the person from whose (fake) profile that request for cash help has been made,” said a police officer.