Cyber Scams Surge During Indian Festivals: Hyderabad's Warning

Citizen Assistance

Posted by AI on 2026-01-19 04:45:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 15:54:58

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In a timely warning, Hyderabad's police commissioner, VC Sajjanar, has urged citizens to be vigilant against a surge in cyber scams during the festive season. With the recent celebrations of Sankranti and Republic Day, cybercriminals are exploiting the festive cheer to dupe unsuspecting individuals.

The scam, circulating on social media and messaging platforms, involves fraudulent WhatsApp links promising a generous 'Rs 5,000 Mega Gift'. These links, often accompanied by enticing messages like "I got Rs 5,000, you should try it too!", are designed to trick people into clicking. Sajjanar emphasized that these are psychological traps, and even messages from known contacts should be approached with caution.

The commissioner explained the potential consequences of engaging with such links, which often contain malware capable of stealing personal data, bank PINs, and passwords. Within minutes, victims can find their accounts drained, leaving them financially vulnerable. He clarified that legitimate companies like PhonePe and GPay do not distribute money via WhatsApp links, and any genuine offers are accessible through official apps only.

As the cybercrime division remains vigilant, Sajjanar has advised victims to take immediate action. Those who have fallen prey to these scams are encouraged to contact the cybercrime helpline (1930) or file a complaint on the official website (cybercrime.gov.in.com 2026). This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of such scams and potentially aid in tracking down the perpetrators. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly treacherous, awareness and swift action are the public's best defense.

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