Hyderabad Cyber Crime Busts ₹1.2 Crore WhatsApp DP Impersonation Fraud, Kerala Accused Arrested
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police bust ₹1.2 crore WhatsApp DP impersonation fraud, arrest Kerala accused. Public warned against online scams.
In a major breakthrough, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police busted a ₹1.2 crore WhatsApp DP impersonation fraud, arresting one accused from Kerala and exposing a wider cyber fraud network.
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The case highlights the rising threat of WhatsApp impersonation scams in Hyderabad, where fraudsters misuse profile pictures and identities to cheat victims.
Accused Details in Hyderabad Cyber Crime Case
The arrested accused has been identified as:
- Harshad (Arrested)
Other accused persons include:
- Meethale Puthiyottil Anaz (Absconding)
- Vazhayil Valappil Hiba Fathima (Absconding)
All are residents of Kozhikode, Kerala.
How the ₹1.2 Crore WhatsApp Fraud Happened
According to police, the Hyderabad WhatsApp DP impersonation fraud occurred on March 13, 2026:
- Fraudsters created a fake WhatsApp profile using the victim’s DP and name
- They contacted the company’s accountant pretending to be the victim
- The accountant, believing the message to be genuine, transferred ₹1.2 crore
- The fraud was discovered after suspicious follow-up requests
A case was registered, and investigation began immediately.
Modus Operandi of WhatsApp Impersonation Fraud
The accused used a well-planned method:
- Created fake WhatsApp accounts using display picture (DP) and identity of victims
- Targeted employees handling financial transactions
- Sent urgent payment instructions to gain trust
- Used multiple mule bank accounts to receive money
- Transferred funds across several accounts to avoid detection
Seizure and Financial Trail
Police recovered key evidence during the operation:
- Two mobile phones used in the crime
- Bank transactions worth over ₹1.67 crore linked to the accused
The accused reportedly earned ₹10 lakh commission for allowing use of his bank account in fraud operations.
Police Operation and Investigation
The successful operation was carried out under the supervision of R. G. Siva Maruthi and led by N. Ramu, with support from SI Abhishek and the cyber crime team.
Their coordinated efforts helped dismantle a sophisticated cyber fraud network in Hyderabad.
Public Advisory on WhatsApp Fraud
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police issued an important warning:
- Do not trust unknown messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or calls
- Be cautious of investment scams and urgent payment requests
- No government agency demands money for verification
👉 In case of fraud, immediately contact:
- Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
- Official portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime ₹1.2 crore WhatsApp DP impersonation fraud case serves as a strong reminder for citizens to stay alert online. Authorities have urged the public to verify identities before making financial transactions and report suspicious activities promptly.
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