Hyderabad: Cybercriminals operating from remote areas are defrauding people of crores of rupees, prompting police to intensify awareness campaigns. According to officials, lack of awareness remains the primary reason victims fall prey to scams. Police have been conducting seminars in residential colonies and educational institutions, while social media campaigns are helping raise public vigilance. Data shows a significant decline in “digital arrest” cases, dropping from 140 in the first half of last year to just 34 this year.
Authorities have identified emerging fraud tactics, including fake investment offers promising high returns, fraudulent trading schemes, and scams on matrimonial websites. Victims—often women, employees, and students—are reportedly taking loans or pawning jewelry to invest in these schemes, only to be defrauded. Many refrain from reporting due to fear of embarrassment.
Police advise citizens to stay alert to scams that begin with WhatsApp group additions and fake AI-generated endorsements from celebrities promoting stock investments or part-time jobs with unrealistic profits. Officials stress that immediate reporting is crucial to freeze fraudsters’ accounts and prevent fund transfers to cryptocurrencies and overseas accounts. Victims can report incidents via WhatsApp at 87126 6517, call the cybercrime helpline 1930, or file a complaint at [cybercrime.gov.in](https://cybercrime.gov.in).