Hyderabad: Rs 3.28 crore refunded to cybercrime victims in 54 cases

Hyderabad: The Cyber Crime Unit Hyderabad City refunded Rs 3,28,01,875 (more than Rs 3 crore) in 54 cases in March. The amounts were frozen accounts of persons accused of stealing the amount in various ways, said Hyderabad Commissioner of Police CV Anand.

The modus operandi of the accused is stock trading and investment, ‘FedEx scam’ and money laundering, QR code fraud, credit card fraud, customer care fraud and APK file hacking.

Stock trading fraud

In stock trading and investment fraud, 32 victims were cheated by fraudsters under the pretext of investments in the stock market, promising substantial profits. As per court orders, the banks refunded the amount of Rs 1,62,19,544 to the victims.

In the ‘FedEx’ and money laundering fraud, 14 victims were cheated by the fraudsters under the pretext of receiving some unknown parcels and falsely accused of money laundering. As per court orders, banks refunded an amount of Rs 1,57,25,141 to the victims.

In QR code fraud, the victim is cheated by fraudsters. As per court orders, the banks refunded an amount of Rs 43,310 to the victims.

In credit card fraud, a victim was cheated by fraudsters. As per court orders, the banks refunded an amount of Rs 88,591. In customer care fraud, four victims were cheated. The banks refunded an amount of Rs 3,70,391. In the APK file hack fraud, two victims were cheated. As per court orders concerned banks refunded an amount of Rs 3,39,700.

The victim got money back because of a timely complaint

The victim received a refund of Rs 40 lakh for lodging a complaint immediately without delay.

A 52-year-old private employee from Hyderabad was cheated of Rs 47,00,000 in an OTP fraud. K Madhusudhan Rao, Inspector of Police, and his team worked diligently and successfully refunded the amount, obtaining the refund orders from the Addl. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

CV Anand, has handed over Rs 40,00,000 (Rupees Forty Lakhs only) through RTGS to the victim. Based on the refund orders, the respective banks refunded the amount to the victims’ accounts

Public advisory

Don’t panic if you receive any threatening video calls claiming to be CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, judges, cybercrime police, Narcotics, FedEx, BSNL, TRAI, etc. No government agency or law enforcement officials will make such Skype calls and demand money for clearing the issue. There is no digital arrest and online inquiry in the system.

Beware! Fake investment social media groups on Telegram, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and Facebook are popping up everywhere, promising high returns with little risk. Don’t fall prey to these scams! Always consult a SEBI-approved platform for investment. Always seek the help of a SEBI-registered financial advisor before investing.

Fraudsters are calling and sending APK files via SMS and WhatsApp messages. Banks never share such messages or APK files via SMS or WhatsApp. Do not click on any such links or download unknown files.

If anyone becomes a victim of cybercrime, immediately call 1930 or register at cybercrime.gov.in

There is a possibility to get a refund of at least part of the lost and put-on hold amount if it is reported immediately.