Thaindian News

By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Sep 25 (IANS) A Sushmita Sen impersonator on the social networking site Facebook has started asking for money in her name for charity. After being inundated by anxious queries from friends, the Bollywood actress has clarified that she is not the one asking for money.

“It’s not a game. For this gentleman or lady, whoever he or she might be, charity obviously begins and ends at home. My impersonator has even opened an account www.sushmita-sen.com where charitable Facebook participants can donate money,” Sushmita told IANS.

The actress, who says she is not net-savvy, is appalled by the development.

“I’ve been smiling a little indulgently at all these fake Sushmita Sens on Facebook and Twitter. I thought as long as they were not harming me, let them have fun. But now when someone decides to open a charitable account on my behalf, it’s time to seriously get up and do something to stop such people,” she said.

Sushmita got to know of the impostor’s monetary manoeuvres only when friends called to ask how many zeroes they should put on their cheques.

“I was zapped! I was like…huh! I do love giving to charitable causes. But not in this tacky way. Whoever has the nerve to ask for money and open a website for the purpose trusted in my charitable instincts a bit too much,” she said.

Cyber crimes like impersonation and abuse must be stopped, said Sushmita.

“If you have a name that people can use then these things are bound to happen. So far I didn’t mind my name being used by others. But now let me make it very clear I am not on Facebook, Twitter or anything. And I’m certainly not into asking for money for charity on the Internet. Hey guys,that’s not me!”