{
  "id": 14698099,
  "title": "How replying to WhatsApp message can cost you fortune",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/how-replying-to-whatsapp-message-can-cost-you-fortune",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-15T12:21:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/whatsapp-scam-alert-how-replying-no-to-fake-bank-debit-message-can-empty-your-account/articleshow/134965052.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp scams have become an increasingly common threat to people's financial security. In Hyderabad, a chartered accountant recently lost a significant sum of money after falling victim to a WhatsApp message fraud. The perpetrator sent a fake message stating that money had been debited from the victim's bank account, followed by another message asking the victim to reply \"NO\" if they had not made the transaction. By replying \"NO,\" the victim unknowingly activated hidden links and malware scripts embedded in the message, giving hackers complete control of their phone. Within moments, the fraudster emptied the victim's account.\n\nTo avoid falling prey to such scams, the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar, advises people not to respond to any WhatsApp messages about bank transactions from unknown numbers. He further recommends blocking the suspicious number and deleting the message. If a debit alert is received, Sajjanar suggests logging into the official net banking or mobile app to check the account statement. He also clarifies that no bank asks for Yes or No replies on WhatsApp.\n\nIf there is any doubt, the commissioner advises calling only the official toll-free customer care number on the passbook or the back of the credit or debit card. Lastly, Sajjanar encourages people to report any such incidents to the national cyber helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at http://cybercrime.gov.in.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}