Cyberabad police warn of fake astrology scams targeting social media users

Cyberabad Police have warned against rising cyber frauds involving fake astrology, tantra and vashikaran services on social media. Scammers lure victims through ads, extract money in stages and resort to intimidation. Citizens are urged to report incidents via 1930.

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters are increasingly exploiting social media platforms by offering fake astrology, tantra and ‘vashikaran’ services. On thursday, the Cyberabad Police has issued a public alert cautioning people against falling victim to such online scams.

According to police, scammers are targeting users through advertisements on Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, claiming to provide solutions for financial troubles, family disputes, love marriages, business growth and other personal problems.

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“Victims are initially convinced to pay small amounts before being pressured into transferring larger sums under different excuses,” said T Sai Manohar, DCP, Cybercrimes, Cyberabad.

According to investigation officials, fraudsters often resort to intimidation if victims refuse to continue payments. Several complainants reportedly received threatening WhatsApp calls and messages warning them of harm to family members or misuse of personal information and photographs on social media.

Officials said cybercriminals were also operating fake social media accounts using fabricated reviews, stolen images and multiple bank accounts to deceive people. “In some cases, a single gang was found running several fake profiles under different identities to mentally harass victims,” the DCP said.

In its advisory, the police advised citizens not to trust online advertisements promising instant solutions through astrology or tantra services and urged people not to share personal details, photographs, OTPs or banking information with strangers.

Victims of cyber fraud immediately contact the cybercrime helpline 1930 or file complaints through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.