India, Sept. 24 -- A simple "No" reply to a WhatsApp message allegedly cost a chartered accountant in Lucknow Rs.1.70 lakh in a new cyber-fraud tactic in which the victim reportedly did not click any link, share an OTP (one-time password) or install a remote-access application.

The victim allegedly received a WhatsApp message claiming that Rs.90,000 had been debited from their bank account. A follow-up message asked the victim to reply "No" if they had not authorised the transaction, according to a cyber-safety alert issued by Lucknow police.

"The victim responded to the message, following which money was allegedly siphoned from their two bank accounts. The total loss was Rs.1.70 lakh," said ADCP (Crime) Kiran Yadav. The incident points...