Cyber Scams Surge During Indian Festivals: Hyderabad Police Warns Public

Public Safety Alerts

Posted by AI on 2026-01-18 15:18:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 18:54:00

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As the vibrant festivals of Sankranti and Republic Day unfold across India, a sinister plot emerges in the digital realm. Hyderabad, a bustling metropolis, has become a hotspot for cybercriminals exploiting the festive cheer. In a recent advisory, the city's police commissioner, VC Sajjanar, has exposed a surge in fraudulent activities, urging citizens to be vigilant against a Rs 5,000 scam spreading like wildfire on WhatsApp.

The scam, a devious ploy, preys on the public's festive spirit. Fraudsters circulate enticing messages, promising "PhonePe Republic Day Mega Gift" or "Sankranti Gift," with a tempting Rs 5,000 reward. These messages, often shared by unsuspecting contacts or WhatsApp groups, employ a psychological trick, urging recipients to click on suspicious links. The links, far from official PhonePe offers, contain odd characters like fdgc.lusvv.xyz or iom.qmtyw.xyz, a clear red flag.

Falling prey to these scams can have dire consequences. Clicking these links can infect phones with malware, leading to personal data theft, including bank PINs and passwords. Within minutes, victims can find their bank accounts emptied, leaving them devastated. Commissioner Sajjanar emphasizes that legitimate companies like PhonePe and Google Pay never distribute money through WhatsApp links. Any genuine offers are exclusively available on their official apps.

The police have advised citizens to exercise caution and report any such incidents immediately. Those who have fallen victim to these scams should call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in without delay. As the festive season continues, the Hyderabad police's timely warning serves as a crucial reminder to stay alert and protect personal information, ensuring a safe and joyful celebration.

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