One OTP Can Empty Your Bank Account: Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Issue Fresh Alert
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have warned that sharing one OTP can empty bank accounts, urging citizens to stay alert against rising OTP-based frauds.
Hyderabad: The Cyber Crime Wing of Hyderabad Police has issued a strong public alert warning citizen that sharing just one OTP can empty their bank account. The advisory comes amid a sharp rise in OTP-based cyber frauds, where criminals pose as bank officials, customer-care executives, delivery agents, or job recruiters to steal sensitive information and siphon off money.
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How OTP Fraudsters Trap Victims
According to Hyderabad Police Cyber Crime Wing, cyber criminals are using multiple methods to trick people into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs), including:
- Fake phone calls claiming to be from banks or government offices
- Fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages
- Phishing links and fake websites
- Bogus customer-care numbers found online
Once an OTP is shared, fraudsters gain unauthorised access to bank accounts, UPI apps, credit cards, and digital wallets, leading to heavy financial losses within minutes.
Common OTP-Based Scams Identified
Cyber Crime Police listed several common fraud techniques currently in use:
- Fake KYC update calls
- Cashback and refund scams
- Job and loan frauds
- Fake UPI collect requests
- SIM-swap frauds
- E-commerce return and replacement scams
Officials stressed that these scams are carefully designed to create urgency and panic, forcing victims to act without verification.
Important Safety Advisory for Citizens
The advisory clearly states that no bank, government agency, or genuine company ever asks for OTPs. Citizens have been urged to follow these safety steps:
- Never share OTPs with anyone
- Do not approve unknown UPI requests
- Avoid sharing screenshots containing OTPs or transaction details
- Verify customer-care numbers only through official websites or apps
- Do not click on suspicious links received via SMS or WhatsApp
Extra Security Measures Recommended
To strengthen digital safety, Cyber Crime Police advised citizens to:
- Enable SIM lock
- Use device screen lock
- Activate bank transaction alerts
- Regularly update apps and operating systems
These steps can significantly reduce the risk of cyber fraud.
How to Report Cyber Fraud
Victims or those who suspect fraud should immediately report the incident to:
- National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
- Online portal: cybercrime.gov.in
Early reporting can help block transactions and increase the chances of recovering lost money.
The Hyderabad cybercrime OTP fraud alert serves as a reminder that one careless moment can lead to major financial loss, and vigilance is the best defence against cyber criminals.
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