In another alarming case of digital impersonation, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a fraud complaint after an accused allegedly misused a businesswoman’s WhatsApp display picture to cheat her contacts of ₹1.2 crore. The incident highlights the growing risk of identity-based scams on messaging platforms.
According to investigators, the accused downloaded the victim’s profile photo and created a fake WhatsApp account posing as her. Using this false identity, the fraudster reached out to people known to the businesswoman, claiming urgent financial needs and requesting money transfers. Trusting the identity, several individuals sent funds to bank accounts shared by the accused.
Police said the scam involved multiple transactions, allowing the fraudster to collect around ₹1.2 crore. The method relied on social engineering tactics, where urgency and familiarity are used to manipulate victims into making quick payments without verification. Officials noted that such cases are becoming more common as cybercriminals exploit easily accessible profile pictures.
Authorities have begun an investigation, examining call records, WhatsApp activity, bank transactions, and digital trails linked to the accused. Citizens have been advised to verify all financial requests, even from known contacts, and avoid sending money based only on messages. Officials also urged people to call and confirm before making urgent payments and report suspicious activity to helpline 1930.
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