Hyderabad's Cyber Cops Warn of Social Media Scams

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2025-10-11 01:18:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-25 14:15:20

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Hyderabad's Cyber Cops Warn of Social Media Scams

In a recent public advisory, Hyderabad's City Cyber Crime Unit (CCCU) has sounded the alarm on a surge in online trading frauds, with social media users becoming easy targets for cunning cybercriminals. The unit's Assistant Commissioner of Police, R. G. Siva Maruthi, revealed a disturbing trend where scammers are exploiting the trust of unsuspecting individuals, luring them with promises of quick financial gains.

These fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics, posing as investment advisors on popular platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. They initiate contact, offering seemingly lucrative trading opportunities. Over time, they build rapport with potential victims through persistent messaging and fabricated evidence of profits. Once trust is established, victims are enticed to invest, often starting with small amounts. The scammers then manipulate the system to show fake returns, encouraging further investment.

The real danger lies in the scammers' ability to control victims through fear. When victims attempt to withdraw their funds, they are hit with demands for additional payments, disguised as processing fees or taxes. ACP Maruthi explained that these criminals use threats of legal action or account suspension to keep victims trapped in a cycle of payment.

To combat these online predators, the CCCU advises citizens to exercise caution and verify investment platforms through official channels like SEBI. The unit encourages people to trust their instincts and report any suspicious activity to the National Cyber Crime Helpline or the official cybercrime reporting website. With the increasing sophistication of these scams, public awareness and prompt reporting are crucial in protecting Hyderabad's residents from falling prey to these online fraudsters.