Representative image. AI-generated.
Hyderabad: December 30 Posted on 5:24 PM IST
The Cyber Crimes Wing of Hyderabad Police has issued a public advisory warning citizens about the increasing instances of bank accounts being frozen due to links with cybercrime-related transactions.
According to the advisory, bank accounts are often frozen when they are found to be involved—directly or indirectly—in cyber fraud, online scams, illegal investments, or money laundering activities. In many cases, account holders are unaware that their accounts are being misused.
Police officials noted that cybercriminals frequently lure individuals with promises of easy income, business loans, or commissions. Victims are persuaded to share bank account access, unknowingly allowing criminals to route illegal funds through their accounts. Such accounts are legally classified as “money mule” accounts.
The advisory also highlights risks related to cryptocurrency transactions. Funds obtained through cyber fraud are sometimes transferred into innocent individuals’ bank accounts and then used to purchase USDT or other cryptocurrencies. In such cases, law enforcement agencies may freeze the account as part of ongoing investigations.
Online gaming, betting platforms, fake investment apps, and illegal instant loan applications have also been identified as major sources of suspicious transactions. Money received from these sources may appear legitimate initially but can later be flagged during financial scrutiny.
Police warned that individuals who allow others to use their bank accounts remain legally responsible for all transactions conducted through them. Claiming ignorance does not provide legal protection under the IT Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), or the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
If a bank account is frozen, citizens are advised to immediately contact their bank branch to identify the concerned police authority. They must then approach the relevant police station with proper documentation, including KYC details, bank statements, and explanations for disputed transactions. Once due procedure is completed, police may issue an unfreeze notice to the bank.
Authorities also urged the public to close unused or dormant accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling the cybercrime helpline 1930 or filing a complaint on the official cybercrime portal.
The advisory was issued by Sri V. Aravind Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crimes, Hyderabad, as part of ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and prevent misuse of financial systems.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
