Mangaluru: A young man from Krishnapur near Surathkal has approached the Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police, alleging that a friend misused his bank account to carry out fraudulent financial transactions. The account reportedly received ₹8.63 lakh linked to cybercrime activities, while the complainant claims he was promised ₹4,000 for allowing its use.
According to the complaint, the youth became acquainted with Muhammad Hamraz in 2025. Hamraz allegedly told him that he needed a bank account to conduct financial transactions connected with his business and offered to pay him ₹4,000 for providing one.
Bank account allegedly used for fraudulent transactions
Trusting his acquaintance, the complainant reportedly opened a bank account using his KYC documents and linked his mobile number to it. On May 14, he allegedly handed over the bank passbook and a signed cheque to Hamraz.
The complainant stated that ₹8.63 lakh was subsequently credited to the account. He claimed that he withdrew or transferred the entire amount and handed it over to Hamraz, expecting to receive the promised payment of ₹4,000.
However, he alleged that Hamraz did not pay him the promised amount.
Account reportedly frozen after cybercrime complaints
The matter came to light when the youth visited the bank and enquired about the account. He reportedly learnt that multiple online complaints had been registered against the account at different police stations.
He was also informed that the bank account had been frozen following its alleged connection with fraudulent transactions.
The complainant suspects that the account was used to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud without his understanding of the alleged illegal activity.
Police complaint filed against acquaintance
The youth has approached the Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police, seeking an investigation and legal action against Hamraz. The complaint alleges that his banking details and account were used to route money connected with cybercrime.
The police are expected to examine the bank account, transaction records and other relevant evidence to establish how the money was transferred and identify those involved.
The allegations against Hamraz are yet to be established through the investigation.
Bank account misuse raises concerns over mule accounts
The incident highlights the risks associated with allowing others to use personal bank accounts for business or financial transactions. Such accounts, commonly referred to as mule accounts, can be used to receive and transfer money obtained through online fraud.
Even individuals who claim to be helping acquaintances with legitimate business transactions may unknowingly become linked to cybercrime investigations if their accounts are used to route suspicious funds.
The case has once again underlined the importance of protecting banking credentials and refusing requests to hand over passbooks, signed cheques, ATM cards or account access to others.