HYDERABAD: Cybercrime and associated frauds are escalating, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting social media platforms for illicit activities. Reports indicate that personal information is being obtained through dark websites, while platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are utilized to gather data for fraudulent purposes. These cybercriminals often target unemployed individuals with job offers, collecting details of those engaged in significant financial transactions. They also lure victims under the guise of free gifts, urgent financial assistance requests via WhatsApp messages, job offers, and religious prayers.
Call Center Jobs Offering ₹30,000 Monthly Salary with Daily 30 Calls Target
Recently, cybercriminals have been operating call centers, as identified by TGCSB officials in Madhapur, Hyderabad. Utilizing social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, they recruit unemployed individuals, offering a monthly salary of ₹30,000. Each employee is assigned a target of making 30 customer calls daily and receives training in cyber fraud techniques. These recruits are housed in hostels under constant supervision, with transportation provided between the hostel and office. The operations are conducted in a corporate style to avoid suspicion while engaging in cybercrimes.
Fraudulent Money Requests via WhatsApp Messages
Cybercriminals are increasingly using platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook to send messages and commit fraud. They select victims, gather their details, and proceed with their schemes. By analyzing WhatsApp display pictures, they determine the victim’s profession and profile before initiating cybercrimes. In one instance, a retired Deputy DEO from Hyderabad had a prayer photo as her WhatsApp display picture. A fraudster, posing as Father Philips, called her, claiming to conduct online prayers and sent a message requesting her to open it. Sensing something amiss, she disconnected the call. However, her WhatsApp was already hacked, and messages were sent to all her contacts, asking for financial assistance. The victim promptly alerted everyone about the hack, preventing further loss.
In another case, a Muslim woman from Hyderabad lost ₹2 lakh after receiving a job offer via WhatsApp. The fraudsters identified her as a Muslim through her display picture and offered an overseas job with a lucrative salary. Communicating in Urdu to gain trust, they convinced her to transfer money online in installments, promising a job that never materialized.
