Telangana's Digital Scam Battle: Awareness vs. Intimidation

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2026-02-03 04:44:18 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 10:17:38

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In the ongoing war against cybercrime, Telangana's residents have made significant strides in reducing their losses to digital arrest scams. The numbers tell a compelling story: a 63% plunge in reported cases has resulted in a staggering Rs 100 crore decrease in financial losses, from Rs 176 crore in 2024 to Rs 76 crore in 2025. This success is a testament to the growing awareness among citizens about the tactics employed by cyber fraudsters.

However, the battle is far from over. Despite the decline in reported cases, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) reveals that the threat persists, with fraudsters adapting their strategies to target the uninformed. In a chilling trend, at least five individuals this year have fallen prey to the digital arrest scam, each losing over Rs 1.5 crore. The modus operandi often involves impersonating law enforcement, exploiting victims' fear and ignorance to coerce them into transferring substantial sums.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel emphasizes the importance of public awareness, stating, "There is nothing called digital arrest. The moment you receive such a call, hang up. Fraudsters exploit ignorance. One must pause, think and act." The bureau's six-week Fraud Ka Full Stop campaign, in partnership with The Times of India, aims to educate citizens about various cyber threats, including digital arrest, sextortion, and cyber slavery.

The recent surge in sextortion cases further underscores the evolving nature of cybercrime. In the past three years, 7,337 victims in Telangana have collectively lost Rs 14.6 crore due to sextortion scams, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and education. As the authorities continue their efforts to combat these threats, public awareness remains a critical line of defense against the ever-evolving tactics of cyber fraudsters.

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