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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cybercrime fraudsters now supervise mule account holders from hotels, find Hyderabad police
Hyderabad: International cybercrime syndicates operating from Cambodia, Dubai, and Myanmar have taken their scams a step further — they are now supervising Indian mule account holders in real time by placing them in hotels and monitoring their banking activity over a 48-hour window when fraudulent funds are funnelled through their accounts. This growing trend, flagged by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, reveals how middlemen based in India are now being employed by foreign scam masterminds to coordinate this direct control. These middlemen, who are paid monthly or on commission, are instructed to book hotel rooms in metro cities close to the mule account holders' locations. Once the mule reaches the hotel, the operation begins. The middlemen take possession of the SIM card linked to the mule's bank account and insert it into their own mobile phone. Internet banking is activated, and remote access apps are used to take full control of the account. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad 'Only after verifying that they can operate the account without any restrictions and initiate third-party transfers does the fraudster abroad give the green signal,' a TGCSB official explained. 'The account details are then shared with fraud teams running investment scams, fake job offers, and digital arrest frauds from cybercrime hubs abroad,' he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Historic Cars Every Enthusiast Should Know Undo by Taboola by Taboola To bypass transfer limitations, beneficiary accounts are preloaded, allowing large sums to be moved seamlessly. Once the funds start flowing — often crores of rupees — they are immediately broken down and routed to a network of additional accounts to avoid detection. 'Within 24 to 48 hours, these accounts are usually flagged by alert victims or financial institutions, prompting law enforcement to freeze them. By then, the operation is wrapped up. The mule's SIM card is returned, they are paid Rs 2 lakh–Rs 3 lakh depending on the volume of transactions, and the hotel room is vacated,' police said. Police in Hyderabad and Cyberabad commissionerates busted three such networks operating from hotels in Hi-Tec City, Mumbai, and Noida in July. In one case, two middlemen from Rajasthan managed seven mule accounts under the instructions of a fraudster known only as 'Jack,' suspected to be based in Cambodia or Dubai. In Mumbai, two men from Thane coordinated with four mule account holders on behalf of a Dubai-based scammer. Similarly, a fraudster operating from Greater Noida was arrested for running the same playbook using local suppliers and hotels. Hyderabad cyber crimes wing DCP D Kavitha confirmed the trend. 'Earlier, cybercriminals used to collect banking kits and operate remotely. But with many account holders now refusing that method, direct supervision has become common. It ensures smoother fund flow and reduces the risk of error. We have recently nabbed three such gangs,' she said. Law enforcement agencies have warned that this method is gaining traction across India, transforming cyber fraud into a hybrid operation with both digital and on-ground control.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Time of India
Hyderabad bizman loses Rs 2 lakh to fraudster posing as son-in-law
Hyderabad: A 62-year-old businessman from SR Nagar lost Rs 1.9 lakh after fraudsters posing as his Ireland-based son-in-law, convinced him to transfer the amount for personal use. Upon his complaint, a case was registered at Hyderabad Cyber Crime police station on Tuesday. In his complainant to Hyderabad Cyber Crime sleuths, the victim stated that he received a call on July 18 from an Indian mobile number – 93***87***. 'The caller, sounded like my son-in-law who works in the Ireland. When I inquired about the local phone number, he claimed to have enabled international roaming on the Indian number and asked money for urgent need,' the complainant said. Without suspecting foul play, the victim transferred Rs 1.2 lakh on July 18 evening and another Rs 70,000 the next day through four UPI transactions to two phone numbers provided by the fraudster posing as his son-in-law. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The fraud came to light on July 28 when the victim casually mentioned the money transfers to his daughter, who confirmed that neither she nor her husband had sought funds. Realising he had been duped, the 62-year-old approached the Cyber Crime police station on Tuesday, alleging that fraudsters used AI tools to mimic his son-in-law's voice over the phone. Following his complaint, a case was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 'We have received two such complaints recently where the fraudsters had supposedly used AI voice tools to mimic the voice of victim's family members. We are investigating the cases to arrest the offenders. Once arrested, we will get a clear idea of the modus operandi,' deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Cyber Crime, D Kavitha said. Officials urged the public to double-check unexpected financial requests, even when they appear to originate from friends or relatives. 'A quick video call or a callback to the known number can stop such scams,' the DCP added.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Cyber cells in seven zones to combat cybercrime in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner CV Anand on Thursday inaugurated Zonal Cyber Cells (ZCCs) across all seven zones. Speaking at a press meet at the CCS office, Basheerbagh, he said each cell will operate under the supervision of the respective DCP. The initiative aims to deliver swift, localised responses to the rising threat of cybercrime. The ZCCs will serve as dedicated hubs within each zone for registering complaints, investigating cases, blocking fraudulent transactions and ensuring maximum refunds to victims. They will also provide timely support and collaborate with the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS) and external cyber forensic experts for complex investigations. Since its establishment in 2010, the CCPS has struggled to keep pace with the surge in cybercrime. Registered cases increased from 351 in 2015 to 3,111 in 2024 — a nearly 10-fold rise. Recognising this, Hyderabad police have decentralised cybercrime handling by setting up ZCCs. Staffed by 61 personnel — including seven sub-inspectors, three head constables, 36 police constables, and eight home guards — the ZCCs will act as task forces assisting local police in case detection, investigation, and refund facilitation. Cyber Crime DCP D Kavitha highlighted that these dedicated units possess the specialised skills required for cyber investigations, which local stations often lack. The police urge citizens to report cybercrimes via the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline or at nearby police stations. Complaints registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal are forwarded to ZCCs for prompt action, strengthening Hyderabad's digital security framework.
