Hyderabad Police Recover ₹1 Crore After WhatsApp Scam

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have arrested a man from Lucknow in connection with a ₹1 crore cyber fraud targeting the accountant of a saree store. According to police, the accused allegedly sent a fake WhatsApp message using the shop owner’s name and profile picture, creating the impression that the request had come directly from the owner. Trusting the message, the accountant transferred the money to the fraudsters.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Ramesh said the police, with the help of swift court directions, managed to recover the entire ₹1 crore and return it to the victim within just 10 days. The police advised people not to transfer large sums solely on the basis of a WhatsApp display picture or name. Payment requests should be independently verified through another communication channel. Officials also warned users against installing unknown APK files received through WhatsApp or other messaging applications. Anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud should immediately call the 1930 toll-free helpline or report the incident through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.