WhatsApp DP scam: CFO transfers over Rs 2 crore after 'MD' texts; Hyderabad Police reveal growing digital threat & what you should never do

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2025-08-19 10:50:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-19 09:13:33

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The Hyderabad Police has warned citizens of a new and alarming scam targeting WhatsApp users.

After detailing a shocking incident involving a local businessman who lost over Rs 2 crore to fraudsters, the police revealed essential steps everyone should take to protect themselves.

The incident, which the police shared on social media, involved the CFO of a prominent company who lost a huge sum after receiving a WhatsApp message from an alleged senior executive at an ad agency.

The sender claimed they were sending over an important DP (display picture) to be used in an upcoming event. However, the CFO failed to realize that the sender was a scammer exploiting the weakness of WhatsApp's group feature.

As he accepted the fraudulent group invite, the scammer gained access to the CFO's contacts. The scammer then proceeded to send messages to the CFO's family and friends, claiming the CFO was stranded and desperately needed money.

Panicked, the CFO's contacts transferred the money as requested, and the fraudster walked away with a whopping Rs 2.35 crore!

The Hyderabad Police has since issued a series of guidelines to prevent such scams:

1. Do not accept random WhatsApp group invitations.

2. If you receive any message asking you to forward it to others, ignore it.

3. WhatsApp group members have your phone number. They can use it to search for your details online and may not have the best intentions.

4. Be cautious of every message you receive, even if it's from your friends' numbers. If something seems off, contact your friends directly to confirm their identity.

5. If you're ever stranded, your friends and family will find ways to help you without asking you to remit large sums of money.

With digital communication increasingly becoming a norm, users must adopt safe practices to avoid falling prey to cunning scams.

This latest warning underscores the growing need for increased digital literacy, especially regarding our increasingly interconnected virtual lives.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the tactics of fraudsters, making awareness and caution our best defenses against these ever-innovating digital threats.

Ultimately, the Hyderabad Police's insightful post serves as a timely and potent reminder of the importance of being cautious in our everyday digital interactions. Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for today, August 19: Check active rewards for free weapon skins, outfits, and diamonds

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