Telanganites Losing Rs 5 Cr Daily to Cybercrimes

Hyderabad: Telanganites are losing up to Rs 5 crore everyday to cybercrimes and nearly Rs 4 crore of this is being sent overseas by criminal syndicates. The primary targets are retired individuals and housewives, who are inept at detecting social engineering tactics.

To address this growing concern, the police's cybersecurity wing held a seminar on 'Digital Arrest in Cybersecurity' at the Rajapushpa Green Day Clubhouse in Tellapur on Sunday. Officials stressed on the importance of the first few hours after a cybercrime is committed, calling them the 'golden hours'.

In 2024, victims from Telangana lost over Rs 2,000 crore to cybercrime. In some cases, the cybersleuths were able to recover crores of rupees but the key in all successful cases was that they were reported in the golden hours.

“In one case, a victim lost Rs 70 lakh but only Rs 15 lakh could be recovered because he did not report the incident during the crucial first few hours,” said an official. “It took him 10 days before he filed a police complaint, reported it on the website, and went to the Cyberabad police commissioner’s cyber security division.”

To report cybercrimes, one must file a complaint on the official website: http://www.cybercrime.gov.in and/or call on the toll-free number 1930.

The event was attended by cybersecurity department deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) Surya Prakash, Harikishan, and K.V.N. Prasad, along with Sangareddy DSP Venugopal, among other officials. Over 200 residents from various residential communities participated.

The police advised the public to avoid answering calls or messages from unknown sources, especially from countries like Cambodia, Pakistan, and China.

“Be careful when you get calls or offers. If something seems too good to be true, double-check before you act. Cybercrimes can happen if you unknowingly share your PIN or OTP. The only victim is the one who falls for it. So, avoid greed and stay alert,” said president of Tellapur Neighborhood Association Ramana Eshwaragari.

The seminar also discussed the risk in sharing personal information and profile photos on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. DSP Prakash warned that such actions can make individuals more vulnerable to cybercrime.