Did a Fraudster Impersonate an NGO to Scam a Hyderabad Resident of ₹7.90 Lakhs?
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Synopsis
A Hyderabad man lost ₹7.90 lakhs in a loan scam when a fraudster impersonated an NGO representative. This alarming incident highlights the growing concerns regarding cyber fraud and the importance of awareness in financial transactions. Stay tuned for our insights on how to protect yourself from such scams.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages.
- Never pay upfront for loans or financial services.
- Verify the legitimacy of organizations before any transactions.
- Watch out for emotional manipulation tactics.
- Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Hyderabad, Oct 14 (NationPress) A resident of Hyderabad fell victim to a cyber scam, losing a staggering ₹7.90 lakhs to a fraudster impersonating an NGO representative. According to local law enforcement, a 30-year-old individual from Begumpet was misled after receiving a WhatsApp call from someone using the profile picture of Salman Khan, a social activist and founder of Hyderabad Youth Courage (HYC).
The caller deceitfully claimed that a loan of ₹50 lakhs had been approved in the victim's name and requested an upfront payment of ₹10 lakhs for processing and other fees. Trusting the legitimacy of the offer, the victim transferred ₹7,90,000 from accounts belonging to acquaintances to the bank accounts provided by the scammer.
Upon inquiring about the disbursement of the loan amount, the fraudster demanded an additional ₹30,000, promising that the complete ₹10 lakhs would be returned thereafter. It was at this juncture that the victim realized he was being scammed, subsequently ceasing further payments and reporting the incident.
The Cybercrime Police have cautioned the public against trusting unsolicited WhatsApp calls or messages that offer loans from NGOs or unfamiliar entities. They advised, “Refrain from transferring money in advance for processing fees, taxes, or other charges without verifying the organization. Do not be swayed by claims of 'sanctioned loans' if you have not applied through a legitimate lender or financial institution.”
Individuals are also urged to remain vigilant against emotional manipulation and urgency, such as claims of “last chance to claim a loan” or “offer ends today.”
Look out for warning signs, including celebrity images on WhatsApp profiles or dubious bank account details. Always verify NGO or financial organization information through official governmental resources or registered websites.
Simultaneously, HYC founder and president Salman Khan has submitted his nomination for the Jubilee Hills by-election as an independent candidate. Accompanied by his friend Mohammed Ayub, he accused the Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) parties of deceiving Muslims, alleging neglect of demands for burial grounds for years.
Khan also claimed that graveyards and religious sites, such as chillas and ashoorkhanas, were demolished in the constituency of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Kodangal. Both Khan and Ayub have faced accusations of misappropriating funds raised through crowdfunding, but they deny these claims, asserting that the allegations are politically charged.
Point of View
It is our commitment to keep our audience informed about the rising threats of cyber fraud. This alarming case not only sheds light on the vulnerabilities that individuals face but also emphasizes the necessity of verifying any financial offers received through unsolicited channels. We stand by our readers and encourage them to exercise caution and due diligence in all financial transactions.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I spot a loan scam?
Look for red flags such as unsolicited calls or messages, requests for upfront fees, and profiles featuring celebrity images.
What should I do if I suspect I've been scammed?
Cease any further payments immediately, document all communications, and report the incident to local authorities.
Can I trust loan offers from NGOs?
Always verify the legitimacy of the organization through official channels before proceeding with any financial transactions.
What are common tactics used by scammers?
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, use emotional manipulation, and impersonate trusted figures to gain your trust.
How can I protect myself from financial scams?
Educate yourself about common scams, verify offers, and never share personal financial information without thorough checks.
