Hyderabad: A 23-year-old student in Hyderabad ended up losing ₹2.25 lakh after what started as a simple online search for medical supplies took a nasty turn. The scam went down on May 4, 2025, and it’s yet another reminder of how common—and convincing—these health-related cyber frauds have become.
The victim had been looking online for Cipla Nicotine Gums—each unit priced around ₹5,000—and was in search of bulk purchasing options. After a few calls to what appeared to be wholesale medical dealers, the student came into contact with an individual who offered the product at discounted rates. Trusting the offer, the victim transferred ₹25,000 for five units into a bank account shared by the seller.
When the order failed to arrive as promised, the student tried to cancel the purchase and requested a refund. During a WhatsApp voice call with the so-called seller, the victim received a suspicious message on their mother’s phone. The message contained either a link or an APK file. Unknowingly, the victim tapped on the link while still on the call.
Within minutes, a notification arrived confirming that ₹2,00,000 had been debited from a linked bank account. A call from the bank followed, asking whether the transaction was authorised. The victim denied it and was promptly advised to reach out to the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or file a complaint at [www.cybercrime.gov.in](http://www.cybercrime.gov.in).
The total amount lost in the fraud amounted to ₹2,25,000. Authorities have now issued a public advisory warning citizens of similar schemes involving counterfeit pharmaceutical sellers.
Public Advisory:
If you’re shopping for meds, don’t go buying from random sellers or sketchy websites—especially the ones shouting about “huge discounts” or “wholesale rates.” That’s scam bait.
If some unknown number drops you a message with a link or asks you to install an APK file? Just don’t. That’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it’s still catching people off guard. That’s how they get you.
Never transfer large amounts of money without first confirming the legitimacy of the seller or platform.
Enable multi-factor authentication and avoid storing sensitive banking details on shared devices.
Immediately report any unauthorised transactions to your bank and contact the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or file a report online at [www.cybercrime.gov.in](http://www.cybercrime.gov.in).
For urgent help, victims can also call or WhatsApp 8712665171.
