Cybercriminals have begun using a new tactic to defraud major businesses, prompting a warning from Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar. The scheme, described as “WhatsApp impersonation fraud”, primarily targets company CEOs, CFOs and accountants.
According to the Commissioner, the fraud begins with phishing emails sent to official company accounts. Once opened, these malicious links install malware that grants criminals full remote access to the victim’s computer systems. The attackers then exploit active WhatsApp Web sessions on compromised devices to impersonate senior executives.
Posing as company leaders, the fraudsters send urgent messages to accountants, often claiming they are in meetings and unable to take calls. They then instruct staff to transfer funds immediately to specified bank accounts, successfully siphoning off large sums of money.
Following multiple reported incidents within the Hyderabad Commissionerate, police have urged organisations to exercise caution. Accountants have been specifically advised not to act on financial instructions received via WhatsApp without direct verification. Officials recommend confirming such requests through a phone call to the concerned executive.
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of installing robust firewalls and antivirus software, as well as logging out of WhatsApp Web after each session to prevent misuse.
Victims of such cyber fraud are urged to act swiftly by contacting the national cybercrime helpline on 1930 and filing a complaint via the official cybercrime portal.
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