#WhatsAppFraud Archives - Akancha Srivastava Foundation

That WhatsApp Message Is A Lie!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:17 +0000

Wait before you respond to that WhatsaApp message!

WhatsApp impersonation frauds using display picture and name cloning are among the fastest-growing cybercrime tactics in India. These scams succeed because they exploit familiarity, trust, and emotional urgency rather than technical hacking. (Social engineering)

Criminals are not breaking into WhatsApp accounts. They are copying identities. The scam works because the message looks like it is coming from someone the victim already knows.

This video explains exactly how WhatsApp cloning frauds operate, why victims transfer money within minutes, and how criminals exploit social and family trust.

HOW WHATSAPP IMPERSONATION FRAUD WORKS

Fraudsters first collect publicly available information. This includes profile photos, names, family relationships, and communication patterns from WhatsApp display pictures, social media profiles, and group chats.

Using this information, the criminal creates a new WhatsApp account with a different phone number. They copy the victim’s contact’s name and profile picture exactly. To the receiver, the chat appears authentic at first glance.

The criminal then sends an urgent message such as
“I have changed my number.”
“I am in a meeting, need help urgently.”
“My UPI is not working, can you transfer money?”

The message is designed to prevent verification. Victims are told not to call and to act quickly.

WHY PEOPLE FALL FOR THIS SCAM

The scam relies on trust, not technology.
The profile picture matches.
The name matches.
The tone sounds familiar.

Victims assume authenticity because the message appears in a private chat, not a public platform. This false sense of security leads to immediate payment without cross-checking.

Money is usually requested through UPI or bank transfer. Once sent, it is moved instantly through mule accounts.

COMMON TARGETS

Family members
Senior citizens
Office colleagues
Business owners
Domestic help employers

This scam spreads rapidly through family WhatsApp groups and workplace networks.

WHY THIS IS NOT A WHATSAPP HACK

No account takeover occurs.
No OTP is stolen.
No device is compromised.

This is identity impersonation using social engineering. That is why two-step verification alone does not stop it if behaviour is not corrected.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE SUCH A MESSAGE

Do not transfer money based on a text message.
Always verify by calling the person on their old number.
Ask a personal question only the real person can answer.

If money is sent, report immediately on
https://cybercrime.gov.in

Delay reduces recovery chances.

WHY REPORTING IS CRITICAL

Every unreported case allows criminals to reuse the same profile image, name, and script to target dozens of people. Reporting helps freeze accounts and trace transaction chains.

Silence enables scale.

📢 Spread awareness—SHARE this video to protect others from WhatsApp impersonation frauds.
🔹 Follow for expert cyber safety insights from the Akancha Srivastava Foundation. Together, we build a safer online world.

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Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS

https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post That WhatsApp Message Is A Lie! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

KYC Scam: One Click, Big Loss

Akancha Srivastava — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:55:13 +0000

KYC Scam: One Click, Big Loss

At Akancha Srivastava Foundation, we work with lakhs of citizens across India, educating them on emerging cyber threats. What we are seeing today is one of the most dangerous scams yet—where a single careless click can wipe out your entire savings.

Cybercriminals are posing as representatives from banks, payment apps, and mobile providers. They sound convincing, they create panic, and they push you into acting without thinking. Their target: your bank account. Their weapon: malware hidden behind seemingly harmless links.

How the KYC Scam Works

You receive a call or WhatsApp message warning that your KYC is about to expire.
You are pressured with threats of account suspension or service termination.
They send you an official-looking link on WhatsApp or SMS.
The moment you click the link, malware is secretly installed on your phone.
This malware captures your banking app credentials, OTPs, and personal data—leading to massive financial theft.

What You Must Watch Out For

Any unsolicited KYC update messages, especially over WhatsApp.
Threats creating urgency—“your account will be blocked today.”
Links asking you to update KYC outside official apps or websites.
Requests for sensitive details like OTPs or passwords.

The Devastating Impact
Victims have lost lakhs of rupees within minutes. Malware can even access your personal messages, contact list, and photos, leading to a complete compromise of your digital identity. These scams are designed to trap even the smartest among us—nobody is immune without constant vigilance.

How to Protect Yourself

Never click on any KYC-related links sent over WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
Always update your KYC through official banking apps, websites, or branch visits.
Hang up immediately if anyone demands urgent KYC updates over the phone.
Enable two-factor authentication on your banking apps.
Regularly update your antivirus software.
Educate your family, particularly the elderly, who are highly vulnerable.

Cybercriminals are refining their methods daily. This scam is not just another fraud—it’s a direct attack on your financial security and personal identity. The consequences of one careless click can be devastating.

Spread the word. Awareness is your strongest defense.
If you or someone you know has faced such a scam, contact us at TeamAkancha@gmail.com. We are committed to helping victims and preventing future attacks.

📢 Spread awareness—SHARE this video to protect others too!

🔹 Follow for more expert cyber safety insights from the Akancha Srivastava Foundation. Together, we build a safer online world!

🔔 Subscribe for more cyber safety insights!
👍 Like, share & comment to spread awareness.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe!
Jai Hind!