Thu Jun 12 12:19:32 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Man Loses ₹2 Lakh in Elaborate WhatsApp Scam
**Hyderabad, June 12, 2025** – A 27-year-old government employee from Hyderabad fell victim to an elaborate WhatsApp scam, losing ₹2,05,500 after being convinced he was helping a friend stranded at Delhi airport.
According to the Hyderabad Cyber Crimes police, the victim received a message on May 22nd from a UK number claiming to be a friend of his friend studying in London. The scammer, mimicking the voice of the student studying abroad, claimed to be flying into Hyderabad but was detained at Delhi airport due to foreign currency issues.
The scam escalated when the victim received a second call from an Indian number, purporting to be an Income Tax officer. This “officer” demanded ₹55,500 for clearance and tax charges, providing a fake certificate to legitimize the demand. Believing the situation was genuine, the victim transferred the money.
A further demand for ₹1.5 lakh followed, which the victim also paid. When the scammer requested another ₹3.5 lakh, the victim grew suspicious and realized he had been deceived. He immediately filed an online complaint.
Authorities are reiterating that no government agency requests payments via phone or WhatsApp and urge victims of cyber fraud to immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. Hyderabad residents can also contact or WhatsApp 8712665171 for assistance.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of cyber scams and the importance of verifying information before making any financial transactions.
First Piper 