Synopsis
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau thwarted a cyber fraud attempt involving Rs 1.95 crore in Hyderabad. Fraudsters impersonated the CMD to deceive an accounts officer into transferring funds. Quick action from the bureau helped recover the money before it was withdrawn.Key Takeaways
- Cyber fraud attempt averted by TGCSB.
- Fraudsters impersonated CMD via WhatsApp.
- Company's swift complaint helped in intervention.
- Verification of financial requests is crucial.
- Immediate reporting can aid in fund recovery.
Hyderabad, March 14 (NationPress) The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) successfully thwarted a cyber fraud attempt involving Rs 1.95 crore by quickly intervening to prevent fraudsters from withdrawing funds from a bank account, as reported by officials.
This decisive action by TGCSB protected a Hyderabad-based company from incurring a significant financial loss after the fraudsters nearly succeeded in deceiving its accounts officer.
On March 13, the accounts officer received a WhatsApp message from an unidentified number, featuring the profile picture of the company's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
The impersonator, posing as the CMD, claimed it pertained to a new project and requested an advance payment of Rs 1.95 crore to a designated account.
Trusting the legitimacy of the request, the officer proceeded to transfer the funds at 1:02 p.m. on Friday.
Shortly thereafter, the real CMD received a bank notification regarding the transfer and promptly reached out to the accounts officer.
Upon discovering that the transfer was initiated based on a WhatsApp message, the CMD confirmed he had not authorized such a request.
Realizing they had fallen prey to a cyber scam, the company swiftly lodged a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Upon receiving the complaint, NCRP call center personnel noted that vital transaction details were missing, complicating the trace of the fraud.
The TGCSB logged the complaint at 2:51 p.m. on March 13.
Acting expeditiously, they contacted the complainant, gathered essential details and screenshots, and coordinated with the bank's nodal officers.
"Thanks to this prompt intervention, the entire Rs 1.95 crore was successfully retained before the fraudsters could make off with the money," stated TGCSB Director Shikha Goel.
The Bureau has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding financial requests received through WhatsApp, email, or phone calls, even if they seem to originate from senior executives.
"Always verify payment requests directly through official communication channels prior to executing transactions. If fraud is suspected, report it immediately via the 1930 Cyber Helpline or www.cybercrime.gov.in to enhance the likelihood of fund recovery," they advised.
