Cyberabad Police issue advisory on surge in new-age digital crimes

Cyberabad Police issued a public advisory warning citizens of rising digital threats, including deepfake harassment, online betting, identity theft, job scams and investment frauds. Officials urged the public to stay alert, verify links and offers, and report cybercrime immediately.

Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Police have cautioned citizens about a sharp rise in modern digital threats ranging from online betting and deepfake harassment to identity theft and investment scams.

In a public advisory issued on Friday, officials said cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps to target youth, women, job seekers and children.

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Police highlighted that online betting addiction is leading to financial losses, emotional distress and family issues.

“Deepfake videos and romance scams are emerging as serious threats, with offenders using morphed images to extort victims. Fake police calls, fraudulent courier alerts and overseas job scams are also trapping many,” they said.

Authorities also expressed concern over dangerous online challenges targeting children, the growing trend of risky stunts for viral fame and the misuse of delivery services for illegal activities. Investment frauds, loan app harassment and biometric data theft through fake update centres are also rising.

The Cyberabad Police urged the public to avoid suspicious links and calls, verify job and investment offers, supervise children’s online activity, refrain from sharing private content and report any cyber fraud or extortion immediately.

“In the digital age, awareness and caution are the strongest shields,” the advisory said.