The Hyderabad City Cyber Crime unit successfully refunded Rs 8,46,227 to victims of two separate online fraud cases. The victims, both housewives from Hyderabad, had been cheated in scams involving fake job offers and investment schemes.
In the first case (Cr. No. 2039/2024), a 52-year-old woman was defrauded by scammers posing as representatives of IBU Consulting Pvt. Ltd., UK. The fraudsters convinced her to transfer Rs 4,22,560 for a fake job and work visa. The Cyber Crime unit, led by Inspector K Prasad Rao and Sub-Inspectors Yadagiri D Shekar and R Murali froze the fraudulent amount, guided the victim to file a petition in court and ensured the entire amount was refunded to her bank account.
In the second case (Cr. No. 2958/2024), a 49-year-old woman lost Rs 7,65,110 in a part-time job and investment scam. Fraudsters lured her with promises of high returns, convincing her to transfer the amount to their accounts.
The investigation team, including Inspector K. Prasad Rao and Sub-Inspectors Uma and D Shekar, froze a portion of the fraudulent funds and facilitated the refund of Rs 4,23,667 to the complainant’s account.
The Cyber Crime unit has issued a public advisory to warn citizens about the rising menace of fake online job offers and investment schemes. Scammers often use platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to promote fraudulent apps and websites. These schemes promise high returns, use fake profit screenshots and sometimes transfer small amounts to victims’ accounts to gain their trust.
Citizens are advised to be cautious of offers like “Work from Home,” “Click & Rate,” and “Earn Easily.”
Avoid sharing financial or personal details without verification.
Check for SEBI endorsements when dealing with investment platforms.
The Cyber Crime unit emphasised the importance of reporting such incidents immediately. Victims can reach out to the helpline number 1930 or report through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Prompt reporting increases the chances of recovering funds put on hold by scammers.
