Nagpur Accountant Duped of ₹1.3 Crore by WhatsApp Scam
A Nagpur-based firm fell victim to a cyber fraudster impersonating its owner via WhatsApp, leading to a significant financial loss.
A Nagpur accountant transferred ₹1.3 crore after receiving a fraudulent WhatsApp message.
The scam was uncovered when the real owner denied sending the payment instruction.
Police have initiated an investigation into the cyber fraud case.
In a shocking incident, a private firm in Nagpur has reported a loss of ₹1.3 crore due to a cyber fraudster who impersonated the company's owner through WhatsApp. The fraud unfolded when Amit Ghate, the firm's accountant, received a message from a number that appeared to belong to the owner, instructing him to transfer a substantial amount from the company's account.
The fraudulent communication prompted Ghate to process an RTGS transaction, believing the request to be legitimate. The transfer was made to a designated current account at another bank, as directed by the impersonator. The scheme was revealed only after the actual owner learned of the transaction and confirmed that he had not authorized any such payment.
Upon discovering the fraud, the company took immediate action by reporting the incident to the local police. Authorities have since launched an investigation, focusing on the mobile number used for the WhatsApp message, the digital communication trail, and the beneficiary account where the funds were transferred. The police are working diligently to trace the fraudster and recover the siphoned money.
A case has been registered at the Cyber Police station, citing various offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, impersonation, and forgery. Additionally, relevant sections of the Information Technology Act concerning computer-related crimes and identity theft have also been invoked. Investigations are ongoing, with law enforcement officials determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud in India, particularly as more businesses rely on digital communication for financial transactions. Experts urge companies to implement stricter verification processes and educate employees about the risks associated with online scams to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
