The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a public advisory detailing why bank accounts are frozen in cybercrime cases and how citizens can avoid legal trouble. The police warned against ‘money mule’ scams and urged prompt reporting of suspicious requests.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cybercrime police have issued an important public advisory explaining why bank accounts are being frozen and how citizens can safeguard themselves from cyber fraud- legal trouble.

According to the police, bank accounts are often frozen when they are found to be linked to cyber crimes such as online frauds, fake investments, illegal loan apps, betting, gaming proceeds, or cryptocurrency transactions involving illicit money. Fraudsters also misuse accounts by luring people with offers of easy loans or commissions, turning unsuspecting individuals into “money mules”.

The advisory cautions that selling or allowing others to use one’s bank account is a serious criminal offence. Even if the account holder is unaware of the fraud, they are legally responsible for all transactions carried out through their account.

Such involvement can lead to arrest, criminal cases under IT Act, BNS and PMLA, and long-term consequences affecting credit scores, employment, and travel documents.

Police have urged business owners to verify buyers and source accounts before accepting payments and warned citizens against accepting money from unknown persons, fake investment platforms, illegal instant loan apps, or crypto buyers using suspicious funds.

If an account is frozen, account holders are advised to approach their bank to identify the police authority responsible, contact the concerned police station, and submit required documents for verification.

Accounts will be unfrozen only after due procedure and official clearance from all authorities involved.
DCP, Cyber Crimes, V Aravind Babu, appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious requests for bank details to the 1930 cyber crime helpline or through cybercrime.gov.in.