📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / 0211 SKDGAKUCHO
Crime
Kochi Pharma Firm Loses ₹99 Lakh in WhatsApp CEO Impersonation Fraud
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 22 Oct 2026, 05:06 AM
👁 16
A pharmaceutical company in Kochi reported a loss of ₹99 lakh after an accused hacked an accounts department phone to impersonate the CEO on WhatsApp.
A pharmaceutical firm based in Kochi has reported a significant financial loss of ₹99 lakh due to an alleged impersonation fraud. The incident has been documented in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the company, highlighting the growing risks of digital security breaches in corporate communications.
According to the details in the FIR, the accused gained unauthorized access to a mobile phone used by the company’s accounts department. By exploiting this access, the suspect was able to manipulate the device’s contacts and messaging applications to mimic the identity of the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
The fraud was executed by saving a specific phone number as the CEO’s contact on the compromised device. Furthermore, the accused used the CEO’s official WhatsApp display picture to enhance the credibility of the impersonation, likely tricking other employees or external parties into believing the communications were genuine.
This case underscores the vulnerability of internal communication channels when security protocols are bypassed. The company is now pursuing legal action against the individual responsible for the hack and the subsequent financial misappropriation.
According to the details in the FIR, the accused gained unauthorized access to a mobile phone used by the company’s accounts department. By exploiting this access, the suspect was able to manipulate the device’s contacts and messaging applications to mimic the identity of the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
The fraud was executed by saving a specific phone number as the CEO’s contact on the compromised device. Furthermore, the accused used the CEO’s official WhatsApp display picture to enhance the credibility of the impersonation, likely tricking other employees or external parties into believing the communications were genuine.
This case underscores the vulnerability of internal communication channels when security protocols are bypassed. The company is now pursuing legal action against the individual responsible for the hack and the subsequent financial misappropriation.