In yet another case that exposes how deep fake identities and WhatsApp scams are running in India’s corporate circles, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have arrested two men who allegedly impersonated a company’s managing director (MD) on WhatsApp and cheated its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) out of Rs 1.94 crore.
As reported by TOI, the arrested men, Ajay Sahu alias Ajju (20) from Datia district in Madhya Pradesh and Vaishna (26) from Agra district in Uttar Pradesh, were nabbed from Gwalior and Agra earlier this week. They were brought to Hyderabad on Friday, and two mobile phones used in the crime were seized.
According to DCP D Kavitha, the CFO of an automobile dealership company received WhatsApp messages from an unknown number. The number had the display picture of the company's real MD, Sumanth, making it look authentic. Believing it to be his boss, the CFO started chatting with the fraudster.
The impersonator claimed that urgent project funds were needed and shared a bank account number, instructing the CFO to transfer Rs 1.94 crore immediately. Trusting the request, the CFO made the transfer on July 8. It was only after informing the real MD via a phone call that he realised he had been duped.
A complaint was promptly lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, and a case was registered at the Cyber Crime police station the very next day, July 9, under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act, and Sections 111(2)(b), 318(4), and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigations revealed a deeper racket. The accused duo used to sell current accounts for commission. Others involved in the ring would find images of MDs and CEOs online, create WhatsApp profiles using those photos, and then target employees, posing as their bosses. The stolen funds were routed through more than 60 bank accounts.
Thanks to the CFO’s swift reaction and timely police action, Rs 84 lakh was returned to the company’s bank account, and Rs 15 lakh has been frozen in other accounts. The hunt is on for the remaining amount.
Police advisory: “Always double check”
Hyderabad Police have urged the public to always verify any monetary request, even if it seems to come from a known authority, by confirming it through a voice call or in person. Victims of online fraud are advised to call the 24x7 helpline 1930 or report the incident at www.cybercrime.gov.in without delay.
Inputs from TOI
As reported by TOI, the arrested men, Ajay Sahu alias Ajju (20) from Datia district in Madhya Pradesh and Vaishna (26) from Agra district in Uttar Pradesh, were nabbed from Gwalior and Agra earlier this week. They were brought to Hyderabad on Friday, and two mobile phones used in the crime were seized.
According to DCP D Kavitha, the CFO of an automobile dealership company received WhatsApp messages from an unknown number. The number had the display picture of the company's real MD, Sumanth, making it look authentic. Believing it to be his boss, the CFO started chatting with the fraudster.
The impersonator claimed that urgent project funds were needed and shared a bank account number, instructing the CFO to transfer Rs 1.94 crore immediately. Trusting the request, the CFO made the transfer on July 8. It was only after informing the real MD via a phone call that he realised he had been duped.
A complaint was promptly lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, and a case was registered at the Cyber Crime police station the very next day, July 9, under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act, and Sections 111(2)(b), 318(4), and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigations revealed a deeper racket. The accused duo used to sell current accounts for commission. Others involved in the ring would find images of MDs and CEOs online, create WhatsApp profiles using those photos, and then target employees, posing as their bosses. The stolen funds were routed through more than 60 bank accounts.
Thanks to the CFO’s swift reaction and timely police action, Rs 84 lakh was returned to the company’s bank account, and Rs 15 lakh has been frozen in other accounts. The hunt is on for the remaining amount.
Police advisory: “Always double check”
Hyderabad Police have urged the public to always verify any monetary request, even if it seems to come from a known authority, by confirming it through a voice call or in person. Victims of online fraud are advised to call the 24x7 helpline 1930 or report the incident at www.cybercrime.gov.in without delay.
Inputs from TOI
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