Telangana's Digital Scam Battle: Awareness vs. Intimidation

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2026-01-31 03:37:09 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 13:50:15

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In the ongoing war against cybercrime, Telangana has made significant strides, with a 63% drop in reported digital arrest scam cases translating to a substantial reduction in financial losses for residents. The figures, a sharp decline from Rs 176 crore in 2024 to Rs 76 crore in 2025, offer a glimmer of hope in the battle against online fraud. However, this success story is tempered by the reality that cyber fraudsters continue to prey on the uninformed, employing intimidation tactics to swindle substantial sums.

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has revealed that the threat is far from over, with five victims this year alone losing more than Rs 1.5 crore each to the digital arrest scam. The modus operandi often involves impersonating police officers and threatening victims with digital arrest, as illustrated by a recent case where a victim transferred Rs 3.3 crore under duress. TGCSB Director Shikha Goel emphasized the need for public awareness, stating, "There is nothing called digital arrest. The moment you receive such a call, hang up. Fraudsters exploit ignorance."

The battle against cybercrime is not limited to digital arrests. Sextortion, another prevalent threat, has cost Telangana residents Rs 14.6 crore in the last three years. Scammers use morphed explicit videos to blackmail victims, as seen in a case where a man lost Rs 1.2 crore. The police's awareness drive, Fraud Ka Full Stop, aims to educate citizens about these scams, urging them to be vigilant against unsolicited video calls and unfamiliar requests.

As the state continues its fight against cybercrime, the focus on education and awareness is key. The authorities' efforts to empower citizens with knowledge aim to reduce the success rate of these scams, ensuring that Telangana's residents are not only aware but also equipped to recognize and report potential fraud. This proactive approach is a crucial step towards a safer digital environment.

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