Thu Jan 01 13:36:32 UTC 2026: Summary:
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police issued a public advisory warning citizens about the freezing of bank accounts due to cybercrime. Accounts are often frozen when they are used to route funds from online scams, cryptocurrency transactions, online betting, fake investment applications, or unauthorized loan apps. The police cautioned against receiving money from unknown persons, failing to verify the source of funds, and “selling” or lending accounts to cybercriminals (money mules). Account holders are legally responsible for all transactions through their accounts. The advisory outlines procedures for unfreezing accounts, urges citizens to close unused accounts, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the national cybercrime portal.
News Article:
Hyderabad Police Issue Warning on Frozen Bank Accounts Linked to Cybercrime
HYDERABAD, INDIA – January 1, 2026 – The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a public advisory cautioning citizens about the increasing trend of bank accounts being frozen due to their unwitting involvement in cybercrime schemes. The advisory aims to raise awareness and prevent individuals from becoming “money mules” for fraudsters.
Police officials state that bank accounts are frequently flagged and frozen when they are used to funnel illicit funds from various online scams, including fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, illegal online betting platforms, and fake investment applications. Business owners are also being warned to thoroughly verify the identities of buyers and the origins of funds, as unverified transactions can lead to account freezes.
The advisory specifically highlights the legal ramifications of lending or selling bank accounts to cybercriminals, who often target vulnerable individuals with promises of easy money. These “money mules” face arrest and prosecution, regardless of their claimed ignorance. According to the police, account holders are legally responsible for all transactions conducted through their accounts, emphasizing that ignorance is not a valid defense.
For those who have already had their accounts frozen, the police advise contacting the concerned bank and the police authority that ordered the freeze. All required documents must be submitted, and the outlined procedure for unfreezing the account must be followed. Banks will only restore normal operations after receiving official unfreeze notices.
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police is urging all citizens to close unused or dormant accounts, diligently monitor their transactions, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Individuals approached to provide bank account details for any reason are advised to contact the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or report the incident through the national cybercrime portal.
“We are seeing an increase in cases where individuals are unknowingly facilitating cybercrime through their bank accounts,” stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crimes), Hyderabad, V. Aravind Babu. “This advisory is to educate the public and prevent them from becoming victims or accessories to these crimes.”
First Piper 