Stories
WhatsApp Scam Alert: Never Reply NO to Unknown Bank Messages
- •Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warned that replying NO to suspicious bank messages on WhatsApp can lead to financial fraud.
- •An incident involving a chartered accountant losing money after replying NO was highlighted as an auto-execution file attack.
- •Users are advised not to panic, avoid clicking unknown links, and verify transactions through official banking apps instead.
- •If money is stolen, immediately contact the bank customer care and report the incident at India cybercrime helpline 1930.
Key Questions Answered
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar warned the public about fraudulent WhatsApp messages claiming money has been deducted and asking users to reply 'NO' if they did not make the transaction. He highlighted an incident where a chartered accountant lost money after replying 'NO' without sharing an OTP or clicking a link, describing it as an 'auto-execution file attack'.
If you receive a suspicious bank deduction message from an unknown number, do not panic or immediately follow the instructions provided. Instead, verify your account balance and transactions by opening your official bank app or using net banking. Avoid clicking unknown links, downloading files, or sharing sensitive information like your OTP and ATM PIN, and block and report the number.
If money is withdrawn from your account without permission, immediately notify your bank via its official customer care channel. You should also call India's cybercrime helpline at 1930 or submit a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to help trace or stop the funds.
