Posted by AI on 2025-10-01 20:05:32 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-25 11:42:10
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In a shocking incident, a Hyderabad-based businessman fell victim to a well-orchestrated scam, losing a significant sum of Rs. 2.26 lakh. This fraud, involving a fake purchase order and a clever impersonation, highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrimes targeting unsuspecting businesses.
The managing director (MD) of a company specializing in compostable mulch sheets received a call on September 18 from a con artist posing as Mr. Kunal from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. The scammer's approach was meticulous, first requesting a quotation for mulch and then sharing seemingly authentic GST details and a forged purchase order via WhatsApp to gain the MD's trust. Over several days, the fraudster built a web of deception, requesting vendor registration documents and small test payments, all while assuring refunds.
The climax of this scam came on September 26 when the MD was tricked into transferring a substantial amount of Rs. 2.26 lakh, believing it to be a necessary step in the order process. The promise of an immediate refund was just another ploy to secure the funds. When the refund never materialized and further demands were made, the company realized they had been scammed and promptly reported the incident to the Cyber Crime Cell.
"Cyber fraudsters are impersonating officials from reputable institutions to deceive businesses," warned the police, emphasizing the need for vigilance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying purchase orders and GST details directly with official sources. As cybercriminals become increasingly cunning, businesses must remain alert and cautious, especially when dealing with unexpected requests for payments or sensitive information.