Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Mar 15: Swift action by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) averted a cyber fraud of Rs 1.95 cr on Friday, preventing fraudsters from siphoning off the amount from a Hyderabad-based company's bank account.

The fraud unfolded when the company’s accounts officer received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, featuring the profile picture of the firm’s chairman and managing director (CMD). The sender, impersonating the CMD, claimed it was for a new project and requested an advance payment of Rs 1.95 cr to a specified bank account.

Believing the message to be genuine, the officer transferred the amount at 1:02 pm on Friday. However, the fraud came to light when the real CMD received a bank notification regarding the transaction and immediately inquired with the officer. Upon realizing that no such request had been made, the company swiftly lodged a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

The TGCSB received the complaint at 2:51 pm and acted promptly, collecting transaction details and coordinating with bank nodal officers. Their swift intervention ensured that the entire amount was secured before the fraudsters could withdraw it, TGCSB Director Shikha Goel confirmed.

The bureau has urged citizens to exercise caution against financial requests received via WhatsApp, email, or phone, even if they appear to be from senior officials. Verifying such requests through official channels is crucial. In case of suspected fraud, immediate reporting through the cyber helpline 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in increases the chances of fund recovery.