A new WhatsApp-based cyber fraud has raised fresh concerns about how scammers are adapting their methods to deceive victims without necessarily relying on suspicious links or requests for one-time passwords.
According to police information reported in connection with a recent case in Lucknow, a chartered accountant received a WhatsApp message claiming that ₹90,000 had been debited from his bank account. The message reportedly asked whether he had made the transaction. Believing it resembled a routine banking alert, the man replied with the word “No”.
Soon afterwards, money was allegedly withdrawn from accounts linked to him, with the total loss reported at around ₹1.70 lakh to ₹2 lakh across different bank accounts. The incident has drawn attention because the victim apparently did not click on a suspicious link or disclose an OTP in the conversation.
Cybersecurity experts have stressed that scammers increasingly experiment with different approaches as familiar fraud techniques become easier for users to recognise. Messages designed to create panic by claiming that money has been debited can encourage recipients to respond quickly without independently verifying the information.
Authorities and experts have advised users not to respond to unexpected financial messages received through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. Any alleged bank transaction should first be verified directly through the bank’s official mobile application, website or customer-care channel.
Questions also remain about how the alleged fraudsters obtained access to the victim’s device or accounts. Investigators are expected to examine the incident in greater detail before determining the precise method used.
The case highlights the importance of remaining cautious even when a message does not contain an obvious malicious link or an OTP request.
