Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan authorities and cybersecurity experts have raised alarm over a surge in fake social media accounts impersonating city tycoon Dr Sudhir Ruparelia on X (formerly Twitter), warning the public to exercise extreme caution.
A search for “Sudhir Ruparelia” on X reveals multiple accounts using near-identical names, profile photos, and branding of the businessman, in what experts say is a growing pattern of online impersonation scams targeting high-profile figures.
Among the accounts appearing in search results are handles with slight variations and misspellings designed to mimic the tycoon’s identity, some of which lack verification and credible activity.
The only confirmed and legitimate account linked to Dr Ruparelia remains @sudhirruparelia, described as “Chairman Ruparelia Group of Companies Uganda.”
Cybersecurity experts warn that such impersonation accounts are commonly used to defraud unsuspecting victims through fake investment schemes promising high returns, requests for money transfers or cryptocurrency payments, phishing links disguised as business opportunities and attempts to harvest personal and financial information.
Red Flags Identified
Experts point to several warning signs in the suspicious accounts currently circulating, such as slight variations or misspellings in usernames, use of Dr Ruparelia’s official images without authorisation, low follower counts, minimal verifiable activity and lack of proper “Parody” or “Fan Account” disclosure.
While some accounts attempt to label themselves as fan pages, many do not comply with X’s impersonation policies, raising concerns about potential fraud.
Dr Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, has previously issued warnings about fake accounts impersonating him, with several profiles suspended in the past. However, new ones continue to emerge, suggesting a persistent and evolving threat.
Speaking to DailyExpress on Wednesday morning, Sudhir warned the public to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:
- Do not engage with or send money to any account claiming to represent Dr Ruparelia unless it is the verified handle
- Verify all communication through official Ruparelia Group channels
- Report suspicious accounts using X’s impersonation reporting tools
- Cross-check claims through trusted news sources or official company platforms
He also urged members of the public who may have interacted with suspicious accounts to monitor their financial transactions and report incidents to the Uganda Police Force Cybercrime Unit.
Rising Digital Fraud Threat
The emergence of multiple impersonation accounts highlights the growing sophistication of social media fraud targeting prominent East African business figures.
Experts warn that without increased vigilance, enforcement, and digital awareness, such scams could lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage.
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