Blog Post

In a startling revelation, residents of Telangana are now facing an unprecedented wave of cybercrime that is costing them millions every single day. According to recent statistics from the Deccan Chronicle, the daily loss due to cybercrimes in Telangana stands at Rs 5 crore ($628,000 USD), with nearly Rs 4 crore being siphoned off overseas by criminal syndicates. The alarming increase in these crimes has prompted the police’s cybersecurity wing to hold a seminar on digital safety measures in Hyderabad.

The Primary Targets: Retired Individuals and Housewives

These cybercrimes are predominantly targeting two vulnerable groups—retired individuals and housewives—who often lack awareness about sophisticated social engineering tactics employed by cybercriminals. The elderly, in particular, have become easy targets due to their limited exposure to the digital world.

The seminar highlighted how these scams typically begin with unsolicited calls or messages from unknown sources. Cybercriminals use psychological manipulation and deception to trick victims into sharing personal information such as PIN codes and OTPs (one-time passwords). For instance, a scammer might call claiming to be from a financial institution and request immediate action, creating a sense of urgency.

Retired individuals and housewives are often lured in by promises of unrealistic gains or threats of dire consequences. These tactics prey on the emotions of their victims, making it harder for them to resist temptation or think rationally.

The Golden Hours: Reporting Cybercrimes Promptly

To combat these rising cybercrime rates, law enforcement agencies are stressing the importance of reporting incidents promptly within the first few hours. They refer to this period as the ‘golden hours’ because it significantly increases the chances of recovering lost funds.

• In one high-profile case in Telangana last year, a victim lost Rs 70 lakh ($89,143 USD) but only managed to recover Rs 15 lakh due to delayed reporting. The victim waited ten days before filing a police complaint and contacting the Cyberabad police commissioner’s cyber security division.

By contrast, there have been cases where victims reported their losses within hours of discovering fraud, leading to swift action from authorities and partial recovery of funds. For instance, in 2025 alone, Telanganites lost over Rs 2,000 crore ($251 million USD) to cybercrimes.

The seminar emphasized the need for vigilance and immediate action when dealing with potential scams. Residents were advised to report incidents on the official website CyberCrime.gov.in or by calling the toll-free number 1930 without delay.

The Role of Social Engineering in Cybercrimes

Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information. These tactics can be as simple as posing as a customer service representative or as complex as mimicking emergency situations that require immediate action.

One such tactic involves sending phishing emails or texts with links that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal data. A recent study found that 85% of cybercrime incidents involve some form of social engineering (Cybersecurity Ventures). These tactics exploit human nature’s propensity for trust and curiosity.

Another common tactic is the use of fake websites or apps that mimic legitimate services. Victims are tricked into entering their login credentials, which are then used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to accounts.

The Rising Tide of International Scams

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Telanganites from abroad, exploiting the global nature of internet connectivity. Countries like Cambodia, Pakistan, and China have become notorious hubs for such activities. According to reports, a significant portion of cybercrimes in India involves international actors.

• The seminar highlighted that nearly Rs 4 crore ($502,368 USD) of the daily losses are being sent overseas by criminal syndicates operating from these countries.

Residents were cautioned to be wary of calls or messages originating from international numbers. They were advised not to engage with unknown contacts and to verify information through official channels before taking any action.

Digital Safety Measures for Protection Against Cybercrimes

In light of these alarming statistics, the seminar provided several tips on how residents can safeguard themselves against cyberattacks:

• Avoid answering calls or messages from unknown sources.
• Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unverified emails.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Be cautious when sharing personal information over the internet.

The seminar also emphasized the importance of staying informed about common scam tactics and being vigilant against phishing attempts. Authorities recommended that residents stay updated with news from reliable sources such as the official government websites or trusted media outlets.

Impact on Social Media: Sharing Personal Information Safely

In addition to traditional methods, cybercriminals are leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to gather personal information. Users sharing profile photos and private details online can inadvertently expose themselves to risks.

The seminar highlighted several instances where individuals had fallen victim to scams after sharing personal information on these platforms. Users were advised to be cautious about the content they post and to regularly review their privacy settings.

Cracking Phone Numbers: A Dangerous Trend

In recent years, there has been a surge in the availability of tools online that claim to ‘crack’ phone numbers or steal SIM card data. Websites like AreaGCX’s page on cracking phone numbers offer step-by-step guides on how to bypass security measures, making it easier for cybercriminals to access sensitive information.

The seminar warned residents about the dangers of such tools and urged them to be wary of any website or app that promises easy access to personal data. Users were advised to avoid downloading unauthorized software and to report suspicious activities immediately.

Community Involvement: A Collective Effort

The seminar was attended by over 200 residents from various communities, demonstrating the growing awareness among Telanganites about cybercrime prevention. Representatives like DSP Surya Prakash, Harikishan, and K.V.N. Prasad emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues.

Residents were encouraged to educate their peers and family members about common scam tactics and digital safety measures. Community leaders and local authorities can play a crucial role in spreading awareness through workshops, seminars, and regular updates on cybersecurity best practices.

The Role of Law Enforcement: Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures

Law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to combat cybercrime by holding such educational events. The participation from senior police officials highlights the growing importance placed on digital security in Telangana.

DSP Venugopal and other representatives stressed the need for a collaborative approach between authorities, residents, and technology companies. By working together, they aim to create a safer online environment for everyone.

Empowering Individuals: Tips for Staying Safe Online

• Regularly update your software and operating systems.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions.
• Use antivirus software to protect against malware.
• Educate yourself about common cyberattack tactics and stay vigilant.

The seminar concluded with a call-to-action for all residents of Telangana to take proactive steps towards digital safety. By adhering to these simple guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cybercrimes.