Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit recovers over Rs. 8.4 lakh for victims of online frauds
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Unit on November 27, 2024, has successfully refunded a total amount of Rs. 8,46,227 (Rupees eight lakh forty-six thousand two hundred twenty-seven only) to two victims who fell prey to online frauds.
Case 1: Financial Fraud under the Guise of Job and Visa Scam
In the first case (Cr. No. 2039/2024), a 52-year-old housewife from Hyderabad was duped by fraudsters posing as representatives of IBU Consulting Pvt. Ltd., UK. The scammers convinced her to transfer ₹4,22,560 (Rupees four lakh twenty-two thousand five hundred sixty only) for a purported job and work visa offer.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Cyber Crime Unit, led by Inspector K. Prasad Rao and Sub-Inspectors Yadagiri D. Shekar and R. Murali, registered a case under Section 66(D) of the IT Act and Sections 419 and 420 of the IPC.
The team took swift action, issuing notices to the bank officials and working to freeze the fraudulent funds. They also guided the complainant to file a petition in court for the refund of the money. As a result, ₹4,22,560 was successfully refunded to the victim’s bank account.
Case 2: Part-Time Job and Investment Scheme Scam
In the second case (Cr. No. 2958/2024), a 49-year-old housewife from Hyderabad was cheated by fraudsters who promised her a part-time job and lucrative investment returns. The victim transferred ₹7,65,110 (Rupees seven lakh sixty-five thousand one hundred ten only) to the scammers' accounts based on these false promises.
Following the complaint, the Cyber Crime Unit registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Sections 419 and 420 of the IPC. Inspector K. Prasad Rao, along with Sub-Inspectors Uma and D. Shekar, acted quickly to issue notices to the bank officials and freeze the fraudulent amount.
They also provided assistance to the complainant in filing a petition for the refund. This effort resulted in the recovery of ₹4,23,667 (Rupees four lakh twenty-three thousand six hundred sixty-seven only), which was refunded to the victim’s bank account.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime Unit, Hyderabad City, has issued a warning to the public about the rising incidents of part-time job and investment frauds. He advised people to be cautious of online job offers, including "Work from Home," "Google task rating," "Click & Rate," and "Earn" schemes. He highlighted the importance of verifying such offers before sharing personal or financial details.
Scammers often approach victims through social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. They promote fake investment apps or websites, promising high returns and displaying fake profit screenshots. After gaining the victim's trust by crediting a small amount to their account, they trick them into transferring larger sums. The Deputy Commissioner urged the public never to trust promises of huge returns without proper verification.
Prompt reporting can recover funds
The efforts of the Cyber Crime Unit have been widely appreciated by the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City. The Cyber Crime Unit stressed that victims of cyber fraud who report the incident promptly stand a higher chance of recovering at least part of their lost or frozen funds.
Victims are encouraged to report cyber fraud immediately through the helpline number 1930 or via the national Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
