Hyderabad Cyber Fraud Three Victims Lose ₹5.35 Crore in Separate Scams

Three reported cyber fraud cases in Hyderabad caused a combined loss of ₹5.35 crore. Learn about fake CEO messages, digital arrest scams and investment fraud.

By News National Editorial Team

HYDERABAD: Cybercriminals allegedly cheated three people in separate incidents in Hyderabad, causing a combined financial loss of ₹5.35 crore. The reported cases involved fraudulent messages impersonating a company executive, a so-called “digital arrest” scam and a fake online investment platform.

The incidents highlight how scammers exploit trust, fear and promises of unusually high returns to persuade victims to transfer money. Media reports published on October 14 cited police-related information and comments from Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar while describing the cases.

1. Fake CEO Messages Allegedly Lead to ₹2.70 Crore Loss

In one case, an accountant working for a company allegedly transferred money to accounts specified by fraudsters after receiving messages impersonating the company’s chief executive officer.

According to media reports, the incident began after the accountant opened an unfamiliar ZIP file. The fraudsters subsequently used WhatsApp messages bearing the CEO’s name and photograph to make their payment instructions appear legitimate.

The reported loss was approximately ₹2.70 crore, with the fraudulent transfers allegedly continuing over several days.

The case demonstrates the risks associated with opening unknown attachments and relying on messaging applications to authorise financial transactions. Employees responsible for company payments should independently verify unusual transfer requests, particularly those claiming to come from senior executives.

Businesses can reduce these risks by requiring a second authorisation for large transfers, confirming payment instructions through a separate communication channel and restricting access to sensitive financial systems.

2. Woman, 72, Allegedly Loses ₹2.12 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam

In another reported incident, a 72-year-old woman allegedly lost ₹2.12 crore after fraudsters threatened to implicate her in a money-laundering case.

According to media coverage, the scammers impersonated officials from investigative agencies and subjected the woman to prolonged intimidation through calls and video communications. They allegedly pressured her to transfer money under the pretext of an investigation.

Reports also stated that the woman faced considerable financial pressure during the episode, including selling gold jewellery.

Important: “Digital arrest” is not a recognised legal procedure in India. Genuine law-enforcement agencies do not establish a lawful arrest simply by keeping someone on a video call and demanding money transfers. Anyone receiving such threats should independently contact the relevant agency through its official channels and avoid transferring funds under pressure.

3. Doctor Allegedly Loses ₹52.51 Lakh Through Fake Trading App

A third case reportedly involved a doctor who lost ₹52.51 lakh after responding to an investment advertisement on Instagram.

The fraudulent platform allegedly promised daily returns ranging from 5% to 20%. Such unusually high and consistent returns are a major warning sign, particularly when promoted through unsolicited social-media advertisements.

Fraudulent investment platforms may initially display apparent profits to gain a victim’s confidence before encouraging larger deposits. The displayed balance may not represent genuine investments or money that can actually be withdrawn.

Before investing, individuals should verify the company, the platform’s regulatory status where applicable, the identity of the people managing it and the risks involved. Investors should be particularly cautious of guaranteed-return claims and requests to transfer money to personal or unrelated bank accounts.

How to Protect Yourself From Cyber Fraud

Cybersecurity specialists and law-enforcement agencies regularly advise the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unknown attachments: Do not open unexpected ZIP files, executable files or suspicious links.

• Verify payment requests: Contact the supposed sender through a separate, trusted channel before transferring money.

• Recognise digital-arrest threats: Do not pay money because someone claiming to be a police or investigative officer threatens you over a phone or video call.

• Check investment platforms: Be sceptical of guaranteed returns and advertisements promising unusually high daily profits.

• Protect financial accounts: Use strong passwords, multifactor authentication and transaction alerts.

• Report fraud immediately: Contact your bank as soon as possible and call India’s national cybercrime helpline at 1930 if money has been lost.

• File an online complaint: Use the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Prompt reporting may help authorities and banks take action quickly, although recovery of lost money is not guaranteed.

Why These Cases Matter

The three reported incidents illustrate different methods used by cybercriminals: impersonating trusted colleagues, intimidating victims with fabricated legal threats and exploiting the prospect of quick investment profits.

For businesses, the first case underlines the importance of payment verification and secure handling of email attachments. For individuals, the other incidents demonstrate why legal threats delivered over video calls and unrealistic investment promises should be treated with extreme caution.

As digital payments and online services become increasingly common, awareness and prompt reporting remain important parts of protecting personal and organisational finances.

Reference Websites

1. Telangana Today: Hyderabad cyber fraud cases

2. Siasat: Three victims reportedly lose ₹5.35 crore

3. Deccan Chronicle: Report on cyber fraud losses in Hyderabad

4. Government of India: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal