Doctors in Telangana lose nearly Rs 30 Cr to cyber frauds, TGCSB sounds alarm

Cyber fraudsters targeted doctors across Telangana, with 735 medical professionals losing nearly Rs 30 crore since September 2024. Investment scams caused the highest losses, while digital arrest, impersonation, cryptocurrency, loan and UPI frauds also affected victims, prompting renewed cybersecurity warnings

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the medical community, with doctors across Telangana losing nearly Rs 30 crore to various online scams over the past two years, according to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB).

TGCSB officials revealed that 735 doctors have fallen victim to cyber frauds since September 2024, resulting in losses amounting to Rs 29.88 crore.

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Officials said investment and business-related scams caused the highest financial damage, accounting for over Rs 22 crore in losses.

Doctors were also targeted through digital arrest scams, identity theft, impersonation frauds and misleading online advertisements. Cases involving job scams, cryptocurrency frauds, UPI frauds, loan frauds and sextortion were also reported.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel cautioned that professional qualifications or social standing do not shield individuals from cybercrime.

She urged healthcare professionals to remain vigilant while dealing with unsolicited calls, messages and online investment offers.

Officials noted that prompt reporting during the critical first few hours after a fraud can significantly improve the chances of freezing transactions and recovering stolen funds.

The bureau emphasised the importance of reporting cyber financial frauds immediately through the national helpline 1930 and the cybercrime reporting portal.