A company in Hyderabad recently fell victim to a cunning WhatsApp impersonation scam, losing a staggering ₹25 lakh.
The elaborate fraud began when the Accounts Manager at Prestress Products received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender falsely claimed to be the company’s Managing Director, who was supposedly on holiday in Sri Lanka.
Mistaking the scammer for their actual MD, the manager unwittingly engaged in conversation. Upon the fraudster’s urgent request, a screenshot of the company’s funds, totaling ₹28 lakh, was shared. Shortly after, the imposter demanded an immediate NEFT transfer of ₹25 lakh for a supposed critical project.
After the initial transfer, the perpetrator brazenly requested an additional ₹40 lakh. It was at this point that the company’s General Manager grew suspicious and contacted the genuine Managing Director, quickly confirming that the messages were fraudulent.
Following the discovery, the Cyber Crime unit of the Hyderabad police swiftly registered a case based on the company’s complaint.
Authorities are now urging both individuals and businesses to exercise extreme caution against the rising tide of WhatsApp impersonation scams. They strongly advise verifying the identity of anyone making urgent financial requests through a direct phone call, rather than relying solely on messaging apps. Furthermore, it’s crucial to avoid sharing screenshots of financial accounts and to report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent further losses.