A simple “No” reply to a WhatsApp message allegedly cost a chartered accountant in Lucknow ₹ 1.70 lakh in a new cyber-fraud tactic in which the victim reportedly did not click any link, share an OTP (one-time password) or install a remote-access application.
“The victim responded to the message, following which money was allegedly siphoned from their two bank accounts. The incident points to a social-engineering tactic in which fraudsters allegedly use a fake transaction alert to prompt victims into responding, rather than relying on links, OTPs or remote-access applications. The victim allegedly received a WhatsApp message claiming that ₹ 90,000 had been debited from their bank account. The total loss was ₹ 1.70 lakh,” said ADCP (Crime) Kiran Yadav.
A follow-up message asked the victim to reply “No” if they had not authorised the transaction, according to a cyber-safety alert issued by Lucknow police.
