A city-based company was allegedly duped of at least ₹25 lakh in an impersonation fraud through WhatsApp.
According to the complaint, the manager of “Accounts at Prestress Products” received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be the company’s Managing Director (MD), who had recently travelled to Sri Lanka on a holiday.
Believing the number to be genuine, the complainant engaged in conversation and, on request, shared a screenshot of company funds amounting to ₹28 lakh. The fraudster then demanded an urgent NEFT transfer of ₹25 lakh for a purported project.
After the money was transferred, the imposter sought an additional ₹40 lakh. The company’s General Manager then became suspicious and contacted the actual MD, confirming that the messages were fraudulent.
A case was booked by the Cyber Crime wing of Hyderabad police following a complaint on its helpline at 1930.
Police have issued an advisory warning people and businesses to exercise caution against the growing trend of WhatsApp impersonation scams. They advised verifying identities through direct phone calls before acting on urgent requests for money, refraining from sharing screenshots of financial accounts, and reporting suspicious activity without delay. Victims of such frauds are encouraged to contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930, visit www.cybercrime.gov.in, or reach out to the emergency contact number 8712665171.
Published – September 27, 2025 08:17 pm IST
