The Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000, is the cornerstone of India’s cyber law framework. It regulates electronic commerce, digital signatures, and cybercrimes. Over the years, as internet usage has surged, so has cybercrime. To tackle this, the Act includes various provisions. One such important section is Section 66D of the IT Act, which deals with impersonation using digital means.
What is Section 66D of the IT Act?
Section 66D of the IT Act states:
“Whoever, by means of any communication device or computer resource cheats by personation shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years and a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.”
In simple terms, this section punishes those who use digital tools to impersonate someone and deceive others.
Simple Explanation
Section 66D criminalizes cheating by impersonation through digital means. If a person pretends to be someone else using a mobile phone, email, or any computer system and tricks another person, they can be jailed or fined. This includes creating fake social media profiles, emails, or websites to commit fraud.
The goal is to protect people from online scams where the criminal pretends to be a bank official, government agent, or known contact.
Illustration
Imagine a fraudster sends you an email pretending to be from your bank. The email looks real and asks for your account details.
You believe it’s genuine and share the information.
Later, you find money missing from your account.
This is cheating by impersonation through electronic means and falls under Section 66D.
Recent Real-Life Case under Section 66D Of The IT Act
In February 2025, Delhi Police arrested a man for impersonating a government official on WhatsApp.
He used a profile photo of a senior IAS officer and messaged several businessmen, asking for funds under a fake scheme.
His intent was to collect money using fake QR codes.
The police traced the IP address and arrested him. He was booked under Section 66D of the IT Act and IPC sections related to cheating.
This case highlights how easily such crimes can occur and how the law helps prevent them.
Conclusion
With rising internet penetration, cyber fraud is becoming more common. Section 66D of the IT Act acts as a legal shield against online impersonation and deception. Everyone must stay alert and verify digital communications. The law ensures that those who misuse technology for fraud face strict consequences.
This section plays a vital role in India’s fight against digital crime, ensuring a safer online space for all users.
