Hyderabad's Festive Fraud: Cyber Scams Target Unwary Shoppers

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-10-16 07:39:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-06 05:05:11

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As the vibrant city of Hyderabad gears up for Diwali, a sinister shadow looms over the festive spirit. The Hyderabad City Police Cyber Crime Unit has sounded the alarm, warning citizens of an impending surge in online fraud during this celebratory season. With cybercriminals exploiting the rush for holiday deals, the police are urging residents to be cautious and vigilant.

The scammers' toolkit includes fake e-commerce sites, malicious mobile apps, and phishing links, all designed to lure unsuspecting shoppers with promises of incredible discounts and festive offers. These fraudulent schemes are disseminated through various channels, from WhatsApp messages to social media advertisements, targeting a wide range of potential victims.

In a recent case, a young woman from Secunderabad lost Rs 1.4 lakh to fraudsters posing as online store executives. They gained her trust, convincing her to pay for a 'special gift offer' and later for 'GST' on an iPhone 13, which never arrived. Another victim, a senior citizen from Azampura, fell prey to a fake customer care scam, losing over Rs 1 lakh after installing a malicious APK file that granted scammers remote access to his and his family's bank accounts.

The Cyber Crime Unit has offered crucial safety tips to help citizens navigate this digital minefield. These include avoiding unverified downloads, shopping only on trusted platforms, and enabling two-factor authentication. Additionally, the police advise citizens to report any suspicious activity promptly, providing contact details for the National Cyber Crime Helpline and the Online Complaint Portal. As the festive season approaches, the Hyderabad police's proactive measures aim to safeguard citizens from falling prey to these cunning cybercriminals.

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