Stories
Beware of WhatsApp No Scam: Bank Accounts at Risk
- •Police have issued a warning about a viral WhatsApp scam where replying with No to unknown messages can put bank accounts at risk.
- •A chartered accountant in Hyderabad recently fell victim to this type of fraud and lost lakhs of rupees.
- •Fraudsters send panic-inducing messages claiming money has been deducted and asking users to reply with No if they did not make the transaction.
- •Experts advise avoiding unknown links, suspicious downloads, and replying to messages from unknown numbers to stay safe.
- •Victims of online fraud should immediately contact their bank and report the incident via the cybercrime helpline 1930.
Key Questions Answered
In this scam, users receive fraudulent WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers claiming money has been deducted from their bank account and asking them to reply 'No' if they did not make the transaction. Fraudsters exploit panic to access phones or personal data, though replying alone is not proven to always hack devices or drain accounts.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar advised the public to stay cautious and completely avoid replying to messages received from unknown numbers. This warning follows an incident where a chartered accountant lost lakhs of rupees after falling victim to a cyber fraud scheme.
If you fall victim to online fraud, you should immediately contact your bank and register a complaint by calling the cybercrime helpline at 1930. You can also file your report online through the Indian government's official website at cybercrime.gov.in.
