Hyderabad businessman loses Rs 10 lakh to cyber fraudsters masquerading as HMWSSB officials

A 74-year-old businessman from Santoshnagar, Hyderabad, lost Rs 10 lakh after fraudsters posing as officials of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board tricked him into installing a malicious APK file.

Hyderabad: A 74-year-old businessman from Santoshnagar has fallen victim to a cyber fraud after fraudsters posing as officials of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) allegedly siphoned off Rs 10 lakh from his bank account.

According to the complaint lodged with the Cyber Crime Police, the victim received a WhatsApp message on May 21 claiming that his water meter reading had not been updated for the previous month. The message warned that the water connection to his residence would be disconnected if immediate action was not taken.

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The fraudsters then sent an APK file in the name of HMWSSB and instructed the victim to install it on his mobile phone to clear the alleged dues. Following their instructions, the businessman initially made a payment of Rs 10.

Soon, Rs 10 lakh was allegedly withdrawn from his bank account through three unauthorised transactions. Realising that he had been cheated, the victim immediately contacted the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and lodged a complaint.

Police have registered a case and are investigating.