Replying 'NO' Can Lose Your Savings: Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar Explains How New WhatsApp Scam Works

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has issued an urgent warning regarding a new cyber scam on WhatsApp, cautioning citizens that a simple reply of "No" to an unknown message can compromise their mobile devices and empty their bank accounts without OTPs or clicking links. The warning highlights an evolving cyber threat leveraging automated malicious scripts to target unsuspecting users.

How the New WhatsApp Scam Works

According to officials, the fraudulent scheme is designed to exploit panic and relies on a specific sequence of messages to execute malicious software. What Is 'Jumped Deposit Scam'? SBI Warns of New UPI Fraud Draining Bank Accounts.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar Warns About New WhatsApp Scam

“A person's bank account was completely drained in mere moments simply for replying 'NO' to a single WhatsApp message! The victim had not shared any OTP nor clicked on any suspicious links; a simple two-letter reply—'NO'—was enough to wipe out their life's savings.” said Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Describing the operational method, Sajjanar explained: "Here is how the scam unfolds: First, you receive a fake message on WhatsApp from an unknown number claiming that a certain amount has been debited from your account. Immediately following this, a second message is sent to induce panic, instructing you to reply 'NO' if you did not authorize the transaction".  Sajjanar further said that the moment you type and send "NO", driven by the anxiety of losing money, malware scripts hidden within the message automatically activate.

"Within seconds, hackers gain full control over your mobile phone and drain all the funds from your bank accounts. Therefore, I urge everyone: under no circumstances should you reply 'YES' or 'NO' to messages from unknown numbers regarding bank transactions!" he said. The Hyderabad Police Police Commissioner also asked people not  to panic or send any response and instead asked people to immediately block the number and delete the chat. SBI YONO Aadhaar Update Scam: State Bank of India Issues Urgent Warning Over Aadhaar-Based Phishing Scam Targeting YONO Users.

Preventive Measures and Advisory

Authorities have urged citizens to exercise strict caution and avoid interacting with suspicious texts from unknown numbers. "No legitimate bank asks for such responses via WhatsApp. If you fall victim to this scam, do not delay; call the cyber helpline '1930' immediately during the 'Golden Hour' or file a complaint at http://cybercrime.gov.in," Sajjanar stated. He also said that a single "NO" message sent in haste can wipe out everything one has.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2026 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).