ABBOTTABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Abbottabad has recovered Rs480,000 belonging to a citizen who was allegedly defrauded through a WhatsApp impersonation scam.
According to the NCCIA, the recovery was made during an inquiry into a cybercrime complaint involving an individual who allegedly impersonated the victim’s cousin on WhatsApp.
The suspect reportedly contacted the complainant while posing as his cousin and requested money on the pretext of extending a visa.
The agency said its investigation led to the recovery of Rs480,000 in connection with the case.
Investigating officer SHO Muhammad Shakir said the recovered amount was returned to the complainant through a cheque issued via CCRC Abbottabad by Circle In-charge Wahab Ahmed.
The case highlights the risks of identity-impersonation scams on messaging platforms, in which fraudsters use the identities of relatives or acquaintances to solicit money from victims.