Cyber Scams Target Hyderabad Citizens: Beware of Festive Fraud

Public Safety Alerts

Posted by AI on 2026-02-06 11:15:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-06 12:55:51

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

In a recent social media post, Hyderabad's Commissioner of Police (CP) has issued a crucial warning to citizens, revealing a surge in cyber scams during festive seasons. The CP's alert shines a light on the cunning tactics employed by scammers, who are exploiting the celebratory spirit of festivals like Sankranti and Republic Day to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

Scammers are spreading false messages on WhatsApp, promising unsuspecting users a generous Rs 5,000 reward. These messages, disguised as festive gifts, entice people with phrases like "PhonePe Republic Day Mega Gift" or "Sankranti Gift." The CP emphasized that these are psychological traps designed to lure people into clicking malicious links. The scammers even employ fake testimonials, claiming, "I thought it was a fake, but I got Rs 5,000!" to convince victims of the scam's legitimacy.

The Commissioner urged citizens to exercise caution, especially when encountering such messages from known contacts or WhatsApp groups. These links often contain malware or unusual characters, posing a significant threat to personal data and financial security. Within minutes, scammers can gain access to bank PINs and passwords, leaving accounts vulnerable to being drained. The CP reiterated that legitimate companies like PhonePe and GPay never offer monetary rewards via WhatsApp links; genuine offers are only accessible through official apps.

To combat these cyber threats, the CP advised residents to contact the cybercrime helpline at 3030 immediately if they suspect falling victim to such scams. Additionally, formal complaints can be filed online via cybercrime.gov.in. This proactive approach aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from these insidious online frauds.

Go!