Fake WhatsApp message dupes auto company of Rs. 1 crore; don't let this horrible crime get you, just do this

An automobile company named JBM Group has been duped of Rs. 1 crore via fake WhatsApp messages. Here is all you need to know about this WhatsApp crime and how to stay safe.

Know how fake WhatsApp messages led JBM Group to lose Rs. 1 crore to fraudsters. (REUTERS)

WhatsApp is now increasingly being used by fraudsters to carry out horrific crimes. Earlier this month it was reported that fraudsters duped Serum Institute of Rs. 1 crore by sending WhatsApp messages posing as CEO Adar Poonawalla. And now as per the latest reports, an automobile company named JBM Group was allegedly duped of over Rs. 1 crore by a fraudster who sent fake WhatsApp messages to the firms chief financial officer Vivek Gupta in the name of its vice chairman and got the money transferred in seven bank accounts. 

As per the information, the CFO has registered an FIR about the same at the cyber crime police station and informed that he received messages on WhatsApp requesting to transfer a certain amount of money to bank accounts indicated in the fake WhatsApp messages. The official informed that eight transactions totalling Rs. 1,11,71,696 were made in seven different bank accounts. 

“The fraudster claimed to be JBM Group vice chairman Nishant Arya. The WhatsApp profile picture of the caller displayed Arya's photograph. On verifying the number on Truecaller, it reflected that the number belonged to Arya. Since, I was informed by the sender that he is busy in an important meeting, I could not directly call to make any further enquiry," the official said in his complaint.

"I carried out the instructions of the sender under the bona fide impression that the instructions were coming from my superior Nishant Arya who needed to effectuate these transactions which were both very important and extremely urgent. The sums were transferred from two entities of the JBM Group, namely JBM Industries and JBM Auto. At the request of the sender, the UTR numbers confirming such transfers were also shared on the same WhatsApp chat," Gupta further added, as quoted by PTI in a report.

As the rate of scams using WhatsApp and other applications are increasing, you are advised to follow certain safety tips and measurements in order to avoid financial losses:

How to stay safe from cyber frauds

1. If you receive WhatsApp messages from an unknown number claiming to be someone you know, always crosscheck the identification.

2. Crosscheck the authentication of the source from where you are receiving the messages or emails.

3. Never scan a QR code without fully confirming its source.

4. Do not share your bank account username or password details with anyone. Not even those who claim to be calling you from the bank. No bank will ever ask for these details.

5. Do not click on any link sent by strangers. It can lead to fake websites of various banks or social media sites and they dupe you into revealing your passwords.