తెలుగు రాష్ట్రాల్లో సైబర్ మోసాలు: సాధారణ మోసాల రకాలు, జాగ్రత్తలు

Cyber fraud in the Telugu states: The most common scams and how to stay safe

From a retired employee in Hyderabad to a student in a village — there is no section that is not affected by cyber fraudsters. Every year, people in Telugu states lose crores of rupees to these scams. Although fraudsters use new methods, the principle behind them is the same — fear or greed. These are the most common scams and ways to avoid them.

1. "Digital Arrest" Fraud

You receive a video call. The other person appears in a police uniform, with a police station-like setting in the background. He threatens you by saying, "Drugs were found in a parcel with your name on it" or "Your Aadhaar was used in a money laundering case." He tells you that you have been "digitally arrested" and that you should not hang up the call or tell anyone. Finally, he asks you to transfer money for "verification." Fact: There is no such thing as "digital arrest" in Indian law. The police, CBI, and ED do not investigate or ask for money in a video call. Hang up the call immediately.

2. Part-time job/task fraud

"Earn ₹3,000 a day from home — like YouTube videos, review hotels," a message comes on WhatsApp or Telegram. At first, they actually pay some money for small tasks. Once they gain trust, they charge large sums in the name of "prepaid tasks" and then disappear. Beware: Any job that requires money is not a real job.

3. Investment/Trading App Fraud

They invest in fake trading apps that promise to "join our group and make 30% profit per month in the stock market". The app shows your profit increasing, but to withdraw money, they charge more in the name of "taxes" and "fees". Caution: Invest only through SEBI registered brokers. The phrase "guaranteed profit" is a sign of fraud.

4. KYC / Current Bill / Bank Account Block Fraud

You will receive an SMS saying, "Your account will be blocked today if you don't update your KYC" or "We will cut off your electricity tonight if you don't pay your bill." Clicking on the link will download a fake website or screen sharing app. Caution: Banks and power companies do not send such links. Go directly to the official app or branch and check.

5. OTP and UPI frauds

Frauds like "I sent you money by mistake, please send it back", "I will buy your item on OLX, scan the QR". Caution: Do not share the OTP with anyone. No PIN is required to receive the money.

6. Loan apps, sextortion

Instant loan apps collect phone contacts and photos and then threaten you. There has also been an increase in scams that record video calls from unknown people and blackmail you. Caution: Only borrow from RBI-regulated institutions. Don't pay money out of fear of threats — contact the police immediately.

If you are deceived — the first hour is important ("Golden Hour")

1. Immediately call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930. The sooner you file a complaint, the more likely it is that the money will be frozen.

2. Register a complaint on the website cybercrime.gov.in.

3. Call your bank and block your account and cards.

4. Save transaction IDs, screenshots, and phone numbers.

5. Don't be shy — complaining can save someone else from being cheated.

Conclusion

Scammers rush us and don't give us time to think. So remember one rule — "Stop, think, then act." Share this information with the adults and children in your family.