India Post News Service
Dr. Vaneet Sharma stands as a unique figure in the Bay Area’s astrological community, distinguished not only for his profound expertise in astrology and Vastu Shastra but also for his significant contributions to community life.
Honored by then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukerjee, Dr. Sharma is the only astrologer in the Bay Area to receive such a distinction. For over a decade, he has been a familiar voice on Radio Zindagi, offering guidance and insights, and serves as a trustee member of the Fremont Temple. Additionally, his long-standing association with the Festival of Globe (FOG) and his visible presence at community events for Indians underscore his role as a public figure and a pillar in the community.
Recently, Dr. Sharma found himself at the center of a nefarious digital scam aimed at tarnishing his long-standing reputation. Despite this adversity, the overwhelming response from his community and client base highlights the steadfast trust and support he continues to gratefully receive. Until deceptive websites disseminating false claims about him emerged, Dr. Sharma had not encountered a single negative review, attesting to his integrity and the quality of his guidance.
The false information spread by unknown perpetrators through fake websites and social media profiles has posed a significant threat to Dr. Sharma’s reputation, especially among potential new clients. These digital attacks seem designed to undermine the trust placed in him by thousands over the years. Despite these challenges, the steadfast loyalty of his existing clients, who continue to rely on his counsel, speaks volumes about their trust in his abilities.
The online perpetrators have engaged in, among other things:
- Posting fake reviews on Astro Vastu Solution google page.
- Creating fake websites using his name and pictures.
- Creating a fake website to identify him with the LGBT community
- Using his office and home address to send illegal IPTV boxes to make it look like he is sending them.
- Sending him threatening emails from fake email addresses to extort him.
- Creating a fake Whatsapp group using his name to make it look like he is part of an illegal IPTV business.
- Sending money to his paypal account, purportedly for IPTV services, which he promptly returned.
- Understanding the gravity of these attacks, Dr. Sharma and his legal team are taking action. They successfully countered a baseless legal accusation that wrongfully connected him with IPTV services, leading to the dismissal of the case by Dish TV. The support from his legal advisors and his community has been crucial in helping him navigate this troubling period.
In response to the ongoing defamation, Dr. Sharma has made a public appeal for assistance in identifying the culprits behind these malicious acts. “This could and does happen to other people too. I appeal to everyone, if you have any information about these individuals, please assist us or get in touch with us. Anyone who provides information will surely be rewarded, and their identity will be kept confidential. Please help us find the culprits. We will be grateful to you all.” stated Dr. Sharma. This call to action underscores his commitment to justice and his belief in the power of community support.
This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining a public persona in the digital era, where personal and professional vulnerabilities can be exploited by malevolent forces. It also underscores the importance of community support and collective resilience in facing such threats. As Dr. Sharma continues to guide and support both old and new clients, the crucial role of the community in safeguarding the reputation of its valued members becomes increasingly evident.
Through this ordeal, Dr. Sharma’s experience serves as a potent reminder of the impact of digital threats and the strength found in community solidarity. His resolve in the face of adversity not only reinforces his commitment to his practice but also illustrates the enduring power of trust and mutual respect in overcoming challenges.
People who have known Dr Sharma have not been swayed by these fake websites. Yes, a few people who do not know him have been misled by the fake websites. Dr Sharma would like to remind them that these baseless attacks by a faceless person, hiding behind anonymity, should not stop them from seeking the help they need. This is nothing but an online version of petty gossip, which should never be the basis for making any decisions in life.
Dr Sharma and the community will also be requesting lawmakers to make certain changes to the law, which makes it easier for victims to identify criminal perpetrators such as the people behind this digital scam.
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