WhatsApp users are being urged to exercise caution over suspicious messages claiming that money has been debited from their bank accounts, as concerns grow over reported attempts to exploit such alerts for cyber fraud. Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has warned users to remain vigilant against messages that may appear to be genuine transaction notifications but could be designed to manipulate recipients into taking risky actions.
In a reported case, a chartered accountant allegedly lost lakhs of rupees in cyber fraud. The warning highlights the importance of verifying unexpected banking messages and avoiding impulsive responses to alerts received from unknown numbers.
How the WhatsApp ‘No’ Scam Allegedly Works
As described in the report, scammers may send messages from unknown or international numbers claiming that a transaction has taken place or money has been deducted from the recipient’s account. The message may ask users to reply with “No” if they did not authorise the transaction.
Such messages can create panic and pressure recipients into reacting without checking whether the alert is genuine. The report alleges that cybercriminals may use malicious software to steal personal information and compromise devices or financial accounts.
However, the claim that simply replying “No” automatically activates malware or empties a bank account has not been independently established by the information provided in the report. Users should be cautious about suspicious messages, but the specific technical mechanism should not be treated as confirmed.
Why Users Should Be Careful With Fake Bank Alerts
Cybercriminals often exploit concerns about unauthorised transactions to make their messages appear urgent and convincing. A fake debit alert can prompt users to respond, open a link, download a file or follow instructions that could expose them to fraud.
Users should avoid engaging with unexpected messages from unfamiliar numbers, particularly when they involve banking transactions or requests for immediate action. If a message claims money has been deducted, the safest approach is to check the transaction history through the bank’s official application or website.
People should never share their one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs, passwords or banking credentials with anyone. They should also avoid opening suspicious links or installing applications sent or recommended by unknown contacts.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
WhatsApp users can follow a few basic precautions to reduce their exposure to cyber fraud:
Verify unexpected transaction alerts directly through official banking channels.
Avoid replying to suspicious messages or clicking unfamiliar links.
Keep the phone’s operating system and applications updated.
Download applications only from trusted sources and review app permissions.
Block and report suspicious WhatsApp accounts through the platform.
If money has been lost to cyber fraud, users in India should contact their bank immediately and call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930. They can also file a complaint through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Stay Alert Before Responding to Banking Messages
The reported warning is a reminder that fake banking alerts can exploit users’ concerns about their finances. While the claim that a single “No” reply can directly empty a bank account requires further technical verification, users should treat unexpected transaction messages with caution.
Verifying alerts through official channels, protecting sensitive banking information and reporting suspected fraud promptly remain important steps in reducing the risk of financial loss.
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