Hyderabad's Biryani Scam: When Food Delivery Meets Fraud

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2025-12-19 10:38:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 12:03:36

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In the bustling city of Hyderabad, where technology and tradition intertwine, a recent incident has left residents on edge and authorities scrambling for solutions. Over 150 cases of a new delivery scam have been reported in the city this year, with a recent victim's story going viral, sparking a much-needed conversation about online safety.

The scam unfolded like a well-rehearsed play. A Hyderabad resident, craving the city's famous biryani from Pista House, placed an order through the popular food delivery app Swiggy. Minutes later, a call from a seemingly authentic Pista House number informed him of a system glitch, requesting the One-Time Password (OTP) to resolve the issue. In a moment of panic, he shared the code, only to realize he had been scammed when the delivery was marked complete without the rider ever arriving.

This incident is not an isolated one. Cyberabad police have reported a staggering 40% increase in OTP-related delivery scams since October 2025, with losses totaling over 2.5 crore in Telangana alone. Scammers are exploiting the trust between customers and delivery platforms, particularly during peak hours. Inspector Priya Reddy of Hyderabad Cyber Cell warns of the simplicity of these scams, emphasizing the use of spoofed calls to create a sense of urgency and bypass security measures.

The aftermath of this scam has led to a call for action. Swiggy and Zomato, the primary targets, are implementing measures like Safe Drop and rider training. However, experts advocate for more robust solutions, such as OTP-less deliveries using advanced verification methods. As the war against cybercrime intensifies, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in our digital age, urging us to stay vigilant and adapt our defenses accordingly.

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