Actor Ronit Bose Roy has become the latest victim of digital impersonation. On Thursday, the 60-year-old warned fans on Instagram, writing that scamsters posing as him have been approaching people, asking for Rs. 45,000 for private meet-and-greet sessions (see right). Roy also shared screenshots of the poser’s WhatsApp chats with fans.

Speaking to us, the actor says this incident was brought to his notice by a friend, whose acquaintance received messages soliciting money.

“The message in my name was asking for a meet and greet with fans, asking them to pay Rs. 45,000 for it,” he says, adding, “How could I do such an obnoxious act? Asking fans to pay up to meet me? I had to put my fans on alert. People are out there to target you whenever they get a chance.”

Theactor, known for TV shows such as Adaalat and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, now says he will be pursuing the matter legally to “curb it at the right time”.

“Of course, I will take legal action on this. All will be done to prevent the misuse of my name. Scamming is a criminal activity and an offence. I will follow the due process to deal with it and curb the menace. I don’t want anyone’s hard-earned money to be lost to scammers,” he says, adding, “Now it is for the law to see and take action, and to check if anything like this has happened before. I hope they nab the person behind it to stop this from spreading.”

While Roy remains confident that his friends will never fall for such messages or requests for money, he feels fans, too, should exercise vigilance.

“Too many such instances are being reported, though a lot of awareness is being created, but many people out there are still gullible. It’s essential to think twice before sending money to anyone in response to a social media request. A basic awareness of performing due diligence should be in place,” he concludes.